"Don't know. You might ask the boss." He raised his voice: "Hey, Dewing!
Gentleman here to speak to you."
At the summons, Something Dewing appeared at the side door; he gave a little start when he saw Pete at the bar.
"Why, hello, Johnson! Well met! This is a surprise."
"Same here," said Pete. "Didn't know you were in town."
"Yes; I bought Rhiny out. Tired of Cobre. Want to take a hand at poker,
Pete? Here's two lumberjacks down from up-country, and honing to play.
Their money's burning holes in their pockets. I was just telling them
that it's too early to start a game yet."
He indicated the other two men, who were indeed disguised as lumberjacks, even to their hands; but their faces were not the faces of workingmen.
"Cappers," thought Pete. Aloud he said: "Not to-day, I guess. Where's
Rhiny? In town yet?"
"No; he left. Don't know where he went exactly—somewhere up Flagstaff-way, I think. But I can find out for you if you want to write to him."
"Oh, no—nothing particular. Just wanted a chin with him."
"Better try the cards a whirl, Pete," urged the gambler. "I don't want to start up for a three-handed game."