“As usual,” groaned Dismal. “Wish I’d never learned how to play poker.”
“You haven’t,” said Bink. “That’s what ails you. You simply play the sucker, while the other fellows play poker.”
“It’s fate,” declared Jones, with resignation. “I’ve been studying the lines in my hand, and I find I’m destined to be a sucker all my life.”
“By the way,” said Stubbs, “what would you call a paper devoted to palmistry?”
“A hand-organ,” answered Griswold instantly.
“You’re too smart!” sneered Bink.
They watched till they saw Merry walk straight back to the lonely student on the end of the fence. Frank advanced and spoke to Hooker.
“Excuse me,” said Merry, with a pleasant smile, holding out his hand. “I don’t believe we’ve ever met before.”
Hooker dropped down from the fence, a look of surprise coming to his pale face.
“No, I believe not,” he faltered, accepting Frank’s hand hesitatingly, as if in doubt about what was going to follow.