"You said something like that," said Crewe cautiously.
"Now we'll pool our money," said the colonel, "and split three ways. I'll make a fair proposition. We'll divide it into four and the man who puts in the most shall take two shares. Is it a bet?"
"I suppose so," said Pinto reluctantly. "What is the truth about your money? Did Jack o' Judgment get it?"
"I hadn't any money," said the colonel blandly. "I've about a thousand pounds hidden away in this room; that is all, if Jack hasn't been in."
He unlocked the safe and made an inspection.
"Yes, a little over a thousand, if anything. How much have you, Crewe?"
"Three thousand," said Crewe.
"That makes four thousand. Now what have you got, Pinto?"
"I've about five thousand," said Pinto, trying to appear unconcerned.