used. The same words, identical to the letter. But this time they
had produced a pistol. "When you call me that, SMILE!" So I
perceived a new example of the old truth, that the letter means
nothing until the spirit gives it life.


III. STEVE TREATS

It was for several minutes, I suppose, that I stood drawing these
silent morals. No man occupied himself with me. Quiet voices, and
games of chance, and glasses lifted to drink, continued to be the
peaceful order of the night. And into my thoughts broke the voice
of that card-dealer who had already spoken so sagely. He also
took his turn at moralizing.

"What did I tell you?" he remarked to the man for whom he
continued to deal, and who continued to lose money to him.

"Tell me when?"

"Didn't I tell you he'd not shoot?" the dealer pursued with
complacence. "You got ready to dodge. You had no call to be
concerned. He's not the kind a man need feel anxious about."

The player looked over at the Virginian, doubtfully. "Well," he
said, "I don't know what you folks call a dangerous man."

"Not him!" exclaimed the dealer with admiration. "He's a brave
man. That's different."