She was silent a long time, and gazed at him, and he did not realize that he was the object of such intent regard. Several times she opened her mouth and seemed about to address him eagerly, for her eyes were brilliant and her cheeks were flushed.
“I wish I had the money to lend you,” she ventured, at last.
“Oh, I wouldn't take it—not from a girl, Polly. No, indeed! This is a gamble for men—not an investment for the widow and orphan,” he declared, smiling at her. “I believe in it; that's because I'm desperate and need to win. It's for a big reason, Polly!”
She turned her face away and grew pale. She flushed at his next words:
“The biggest thing in the world to me is getting that steamer off Razee and showing that infernal Marston and all his 'longcoast gang that I'm no four-flusher. I've got it in for 'em!”
He patted the hands she clasped on her knees, and he did not notice that she was locking her fingers so tightly that they were almost bloodless. He rose and started for the door.
“I'll go and pacify Rowley to-night, and be ready for an early start.”
“Boyd,” she pleaded, “will you do me a little favor?”
“Most certainly, Polly.”
“Wait till to-morrow morning for your business with Mr. Rowley.”