“Sir!” exclaimed Hans, “I demand an apology for those words.”

“Well, you won’t get it,” returned Stubbs, decisively.  He turned to the man next to Hans.  “Reach up his sleeve there,” he said, “and if you don’t find a card or two I’ll make you a present of all the money I have in my pocket.”

Surprised, the other obeyed and the result vindicated Stubbs.  Two cards fluttered from Hans’ sleeve.  Stubbs got to his feet.

“You see, gentlemen,” he said, “with what kind of a man you have been playing.  No wonder he calls himself lucky.”

The others were very angry.  Seeing that the matter would be taken out of his hands, Stubbs restored his revolver to its place.

Hans stood up.

“If you think I have cheated,” he said, “you are welcome to all the money I have won.  As for you,” he turned on Stubbs, “you shall die!”

A revolver appeared in his hand as if by magic and Stubbs shrank back.

But before the man could fire Hal leaped quickly forward and struck up the weapon.

“You are not only a cheat but a coward!” said the lad quietly.

“And who are you?” screamed Hans, now beside himself with rage.  “What have you to do with this?”

“Nothing more than to prevent murder,” replied Hal.

Now the other German officers took a hand in the trouble.

“Lieutenant Darnhart,” said one.  “I wish you never to speak to me again.”

“Nor to me,” from the other man who had taken part in the game, and added:  “If you are wise, you will know what to do.”

For a moment Hans gazed at them hardly knowing what to say.  Then, slowly, he emptied the contents of his pockets upon the table.

“You are right, gentlemen,” he said quietly.  “I have cheated.  Therefore, this money belongs to you.  And do not fear that I do not know what to do.  The honor of the regiment shall be kept clean.”

With that he bowed low to the others and stalked from the tent.  The others stood stiffly erect until he had disappeared; then turned to Stubbs.

“We have to thank you, sir,” said one, “for opening our eyes.  Long we have wondered why Darnhart was so lucky, why he always arose from the game the only winner.  Now we know.”

“Well,” said Stubbs, “I used to play considerably when I lived in the United States, and for that reason, I guess, I was on my guard.”

“At all events,” said the second German, “you have done us a service and we wish to thank you.”

“Why, that’s all right,” said Stubbs.  “I am sure either of you would have done the same thing under the circumstances.  And with your permission, I shall leave you now.”

The others bowed and Stubbs turned toward the door.

“If you will wait a moment, sir, I shall accompany you,” said a voice.

It was Hal who spoke and Stubbs waited obediently.

“First,” said Hal, “I have something else to do.”  He addressed the Germans:  “Which of you is upon the staff of General Ludwig?”