"All right!" said Bert's companion, brightening up. "What game do you play?"
"Anything."
"Poker?"
"All right."
The two took seats opposite, between which was a small table, and the game began. Bert looked over now and then, and saw that they were playing for money. He was startled, for he had been taught to regard gambling with horror. It seemed evident after awhile that his late seat-mate was losing. He became more and more excited and nervous, and his face was overspread with gloom. At length he came over to Bert, and said, eagerly: "My young friend, will you do me a favor?"
"What is it, sir?"
"Lend me five dollars."
This seemed to Bert an extraordinary request from a perfect stranger.
"You must excuse me, sir," he answered.
"Haven't you got as much about you? Say two dollars, then."