"The money I have with me is not my own," said Bert. "I cannot lend anything."
"But, let me assure you, I will give it back to you before the train reaches Harrisburg. I have had a streak of bad luck, and that man over there has won all my money. But I've got on to his game, and I will soon have it all back, if I get a start. You'll be doing me a great favor, and there will be no risk."
"He must take me for a fool," thought Bert.
"You had better apply to some one else," he said coldly. "I can't possibly help you."
"So young and so hard-hearted!" murmured the other, eying Bert reproachfully. "'Twas ever thus from childhood's hour. I was born under an unlucky star. Sir, I am afraid I must withdraw from our pleasant game unless you will kindly lend me a dollar to continue."
His late antagonist shrugged his shoulders.
"I don't see how that would benefit me," he said. "We'll wait till another time when you are in funds. Then I shall be happy to accommodate you."
"Did you lose much?" asked Bert, as his companion resumed a seat at his side.
"Fifteen dollars! 'Tis not much, but 'twas my all. If you would oblige me with a dollar, I can win it all back."
Bert shook his head.