"I leave it to you, partner," said Mr. Neville, smiling.
"Oh, bother bridge, I feel that I shall never play again with any pleasure; can't you ever declare?"
"Not on this hand. I should say, however, that you might make it no trumps; you have the three aces--health, wealth, and enthusiasm."
"But the kings are against us, with perhaps the fourth ace."
"And that is?" asked my companion.
"Luck," said I, "but I'll risk it."
"How much do you propose offering him?"
"Five thousand; that should last until I come again."
"Always look ahead," said Mr. Neville, but he would say nothing more about the sum I had named.
A few moments after this, the host returned; with him was a man, a splendid looking fellow, with the free bearing and controlled muscles of a mountaineer.