“I dunno 'bout that!” he protested, his big hands burrowing deep into his pockets. “I seen a feller come from this way, and I kinder p’inted my toes in the same direction. Mebbe you was tellin’ his fortune?”
“No one has been here for more than an hour.”
“Then I reckon I was mistook. Do you make up these here fortunes out of your own head, or how?”
“I tell whatever is to be told.”
“Fer coin?”
“Yes, for coin. Even a fortune teller must live. Put five dollars on that tray beside you and I will begin.”
“If you can tag me, I’ll make it ten!”
Harkness put a crisp five dollar bill on the tray. If she had said ten he would have placed that there. Liquor made him generous.
“You do not believe in fortunes?”
“Not any, lady. I stumbled into this game, and I’m simply playin’ it fer the fun of it, same’s I used to go into a game of cards with Ben Davison, when I knowed good and well he’d skin me. I’m goin’ up ag’inst your game, lady, and payin’ before the game begins. It’s cut out fer me to lose, but I’ll double the bet and lose it willin’ if you can put your finger on me an’ tell me whatever about myself. I don’t reckon you can do it.”