The chapter opens with a description of a man named James. He is a vagabond, a thief, and a killer. He has a revolver and makes plans to rob and kill people below him. One night, he is approached by a man who gives him instructions to kill him. James accepts the instructions and becomes known as the Jack of all trades. In 1869, he and his posse are having drinks in an old saloon when a thief is caught. The thief is an orphan boy. The huckster offers the boy a choice: he can take a gamble and be precise or he can stay in his seat. The boy accepts the gamble and asks to be a part of the gang.