Just then Dick Ralston nudged the bookkeeper.
“Introduce me,” he said, sotto voce.
The bookkeeper did not incline favorably to this request, but did not dare to refuse. Dick Ralston’s appearance was decidedly against him, and his “loud” attire was in keeping with his face and manners.
“Mr. Perkins,” said Mullins, “allow me to introduce my friend, Mr. Ralston.”
“Glad to meet you, Mr. Ralston,” said the man from Minneapolis, extending his hand, which Dick seized and pressed warmly.
“Proud to make your acquaintance, Mr. Perkins,” rejoined the gambler. “I always did like Western people.”
“Thank you. I am not Western by birth, though I went out to Minnesota when I was a mere boy.”
“And I have no doubt you have prospered,” said Ralston, who was really anxious to learn whether Mr. Perkins was well provided with money and was worth fleecing.
“Well, I don’t complain,” answered Perkins, in a matter-of-fact tone.
“I shall be glad to pay you any attentions,” insinuated Ralston. “I know the ropes pretty well, and I flatter myself I can show you the town as well as anyone, eh, Mullins?”