I smiled at him, not making any move. “Couldn’t you beat me to death with something else? The manager of the hotel would probably supply you with something. I don’t think I’d like to lose my arm.”
Ansell intervened just as Bogle got set to hand me one. “Not so fast, Sam,” he said.
“Maybe, this gentleman doesn’t realize the facts.”
Bogle looked suspiciously at me and then at Ansell, “You mean he’s a sucker, too?” he asked.
“Why not? You and I were. He seems quite a respectable person,” Ansell returned.
I thanked him. “Of course, I don’t know what this’s about,” I said. “But, if I can lend you anything or help you, just say the word.” I looked at Myra who had been watching with alert eyes. “Do you know these two gentlemen?”
“We met at a café,” she said slowly. “But, it was just a hello and good-bye acquaintance. We had a drink and we parted.
“Yeah, we parted okay,” Bogle said, breathing heavily. “Our dough went with you.”
In spite of this guy’s bulk, I wasn’t standing for that. I stood up, “Are you calling her a thief?” I demanded angrily.
Bogle crowded me. It gave me .the impression that a mountain was going to fall on me.