After half-an-hour Mr Gideon returned to the Claimholders’ Club, looking more restless and anxious than ever.
“Will you lay me six to four?” he asked Mr Crotty, who was still there.
“Even money,” answered Crotty, who was a man of few words.
For a minute or two Mr Gideon said nothing, then he gulped down his drink, and clearing his throat, said:
“I hate fiddling about with one bet here and one bet there. Will you lay me a good big bet at even money?”
“I am not a millionnaire, like you Diamond-Field men,” answered Crotty, “but I will lay you an even thousand against The Pirate.”
“I will take that,” said Gideon.
Mr Crotty produced his betting-book and wrote down the bet.
“Will you double it?” said Gideon.
“You want to sell me up,” said Crotty, “but I will double it,” and again he wrote in his book.