“I say, boy,” said the stranger, “do you want to go in?”
“No, sir.”
“If you do, I know the ropes, and I’ll introduce you and take care of you.”
“Thank you,” said Hector, “but I don’t care to go in.”
“Are you afraid?” asked the man, with a slight sneer.
“Yes. Haven’t I a reason?”
“Come, sonny, don’t be foolish. Have you any money?”
“A little.”
“Give it to me and I’ll play for you. I’ll double it in ten minutes, and I’ll only ask you five dollars for my services.”
“Suppose you lose?”