Jack resented the polished sneer. “He’s a very good sort and I’m grateful to him; but it doesn’t follow that I adopt his point of view.”
“You mean his views about the payment of one’s debts?”
“Yes,” said Jake. “I don’t consider the debt wiped out; in fact, that’s why I came. I want to make good, but it will take time. If you will ask your friends to wait——”
Kenwardine looked at him with an ironical smile. “Isn’t this a change of attitude? I understood you claimed that you were under a disadvantage through being drunk and suspected that the game was not quite straight.”
“I was drunk and still suspect Black of crooked play.”
“It’s rather a grave statement.”
“I quite see that,” said Jake. “However, I deserved to lose for being drunk when I was betting high, and don’t hold you accountable for Black. You’d take steep chances if you guaranteed all guests.”
Kenwardine laughed. “You’re remarkably frank; but there’s some truth in what you say, although the convention is that I do guarantee them and their honor’s mine.”
“We’ll keep to business,” Jake replied. “Will you tell your friends I’ll pay them out in full as soon as I can?”
“Certainly. Since they thought the matter closed, it will be a pleasant surprise, but we’ll let that go. Mr. Brandon obviously didn’t consult your wishes, but have you any idea what his object was in taking his very unusual line?”