"Of what value is a thing that doesn't cost?" returned Noyes. "All the big things cost big. Half the joy in them is pitting yourself against that and paying the price. The ache you speak of—that's credited to the joy in the end. Those men in the grand-stand don't know that. If you fight hard, you can't lose, no matter what the score is against you."
"You mean it's possible to get some of your fun out of the game itself?"
"What else is there to life—if you pick the things worth fighting for?"
"Then, if you lose—"
"You've lived," concluded Noyes.
"It's men like you who ought really to win," exclaimed Monte. "I hope you get what you went after."
"I mean to," answered Noyes, with grim determination.
They had turned and were coming back in the direction of the hotel when Monte saw a girlish figure hurrying toward them.
"I think your sister is coming," said Monte.
"Then you can be relieved of me," answered Noyes.