“I’m afraid I shan’t be down here long enough for that.”

“Oh, you don’t know. Let’s have another game, and see if I can’t beat you this time. Only, mind, none of your father’s tricks.”

Max started and turned scarlet.

“I mean, you will try.”

“Of course,” said Max; “I don’t think it would be fair not to try one’s best.”

They played, and Kenneth came off worse.

They played again, and he was worse still; while, after the fourth game, he threw down his cue pettishly.

“It’s of no use for me to play you. Why, you’re a regular out-and-outer.”

“Nonsense! These strokes are easy enough. Let me show you. Look at the things you can do that I can’t.”

“You show me how to make those strokes, and I’ll show you everything I know.”