"Neither do I on a crowded links, but it doesn't matter here. We have plenty of time; it's not ten o'clock yet."
"But I expect he's only a beginner. If he is, he'll spoil our game."
"Well, let's see."
Signor Ricordo stood near the tee as they came up. He bowed to them and stood aside.
"Are you not playing, sir?" asked Purvis.
"Yes," replied Ricordo. "I will go around by myself after you are gone. I arranged to meet a gentleman here just after nine; but I have received word to say he can't come."
"Have you played much?" asked Sprague.
Ricordo looked at him, his eyes half closed; nevertheless, there was evident interest in his gaze.
"We in the East do not play the game. But when I came to England—what would you?—what others did, I did. That is the English fashion, eh?" and he laughed quietly.
"Have you a handicap?" asked Sprague.