Arriving in the town of Last Gasp, Paladin learns that his would-be employer is already dead. The killer, a miner named Moriarity, claims self-defense. Paladin decides to recoup his lost wages by engaging in a poker game with Moriarity. Down to the shirt on his back, Moriarity gambles everything, including the use of his "Silver Strike" for one month. Paladin wins the pot, only to discover that "Silver Strike" is a young boy.