"But you wouldn't let him go up against a cinch?"
"Small has been up against cinches all his life. That's how he made his money."
"That's how he'll lose it, too. I'll put a flea in his ear if you don't."
"Bill," said Archie, "I've made it a rule never to open my mouth in any gambling game unless my money was on the table. Understand? Then, whatever happens, there's no come-back at me. Think it over."
"But the man is your guest!"
"Exactly. He's my guest. If you see fit to warn him——" Archie shrugged his shoulders.
Well, what could I say after that? I took my shower bath and dressed. Then I went into the lounging room. Small was, if anything, a trifle noisier than ever.
"Any game that I can bet on is the game for me," said he, "but I hate a piker. Don't you hate a piker, Colonel?"
"A man," said Colonel Jimmy, "should never bet more than he can afford to lose—cheerfully."
"Cheerfully. That's the ticket! You're a sport, Colonel. I can see it in your eye. You don't holler when you lose. Now, Colonel, what would you consider a good stiff bet, eh? How high would you go? This kindergarten business wouldn't appeal to either one of us, would it? You wait till I go around this course a few times and I'll make you a real bet—one that will be worth playing for, eh? What's the most you ever played for, Colonel?" It was like casting pearls before swine and he wasn't my guest, but I did what I could for him.