The inference was not quite clear. To develop it I 69 replied guardedly, albeit unwilling to pose as a milksop.
“I assuredly am not averse to any legitimate amusement.”
“That’s it,” Bill commended. “Nobody is, who has red in him; and a fellow kin see you’ve cut yore eye-teeth. What might you prefer, in line of a pass-the-time, on spec’?”
“What is there, if you please?” I encouraged.
He and the Colonel gravely contemplated each other. Bill scratched his head, and slowly closed one eye.
“There’s a good open game of stud at the North Star,” he proffered. “I kin get the gentleman a seat. No limit.”
“Maybe our friend’s luck don’t run to stud,” hazarded the Colonel. “Stud exacts the powers of concentration, like faro.” And he also closed one eye. “It’s rather early in the evening foh close quarters. Are you particularly partial to the tiger or the cases, suh?” he queried of me. “Or would you be able to secure transient happiness in short games, foh a starter, while we move along, like a bee from flower to flower, gathering his honey?”
“If you are referring to card gambling, sir,” I answered, “you have chosen a poor companion. But I do not intend to be a spoil sport, and I shall be glad to have you show me whatever you think worth while in the city, so far as I have the leisure.” 70
“That’s it, that’s it, suh.” The Colonel appeared delighted. “Let us libate to the gods of chance, gentlemen; and then take a stroll.”
“My bag will be safe here?” I prompted, as we were about to file out.