Some wondered how Freeman Todder could live and dress on what Johnnie Alberson paid him. Some guessed that Freeman “knocked down” some of the change that passed through his hands, but those who knew Johnnie Alberson best did not believe that. None who knew Johnnie ever believed he would let even a penny that belonged to him go astray.
That Freeman could dress as he did and board at Miss Redding's—which was not the cheapest place in Riverbank—and have silver dollars to dink in his pocket, and do it on what Alberson paid, was manifestly impossible. The answer that most of those who thought they were knowing gave was “poker.” Even the other “dressy” youths said, “Poker.” Freeman played a careful, not showy, game and did win now and then. No one ever bothered to foot up his winnings and compare them with his losses. As a matter of fact, Freeman Todder's net poker winnings would not have paid for his showy shirts, the gayly striped cuffs of which always showed liberally below his coat sleeves.
As he came up the walk toward the two girls on Miss Redding's porch steps, he raised his hat, and then let it hang in his hand.
“Hello, one and all,” he said. “Who's the young gent you have clamped between you there?”
“This is Lem,” said Lorna. “Lem's going to be among those present here after this, are n't you, Lem?”
“Yes'm,” said Lem; and then to Freeman, “What's 'ellicker'?”
“Now hush, Lem!” said Lorna.
“Well, I want to know. What is it?” Lem insisted. “It's about you,” he said, looking up at Freeman. “She said it. She said she expected it about you.”
Lorna reddened. Freeman Todder's eyes narrowed for an instant; then he smiled.
“I expect it is something devilish, then, son,” he said, “but it's probably not half as bad as the truth. You'll learn that, if you associate with this wicked man long. I'm a 'horrid example.' That right, Gay? They'll take you by the hand, Lem, and point at me and say, 'See that man? Beware! Do not be like him. He is a lost soul. He uses cigarettes and blows the smoke through his nose.'”