He half rose to his feet.
"We want no chicken-hearts," he said. "However, draw or not, as
you choose."
Chester caught the cold menace in the tone, and he realized that should
he fail to draw, knowing what he did of the plot, he would never leave
the room alive.
He thrust his hand into the box, clutched an elusive ball and drew it
forth. He looked at it quickly and held it aloft.
The ball was red!
Immediately the men crowded about him and slapped him on the back.
"You are a lucky dog," exclaimed Jean; "an extra gold piece you'll get."
Chester had been so sure that he would draw one of the red balls that
he felt no surprise. Hal, however, was greatly agitated, and he
concealed his anxiety with an effort, as, being next in line, he also
advanced to draw.
"If I can get the other red one," he said to himself, "it may work out
all right."
The same thought had struck Chester, and he leaned forward anxiously. Hal
thrust his hand into the box, then drew it forth again; and the ball that
he held up was black.
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