"Yes, if you will teach me."
Fred felt that it was his policy to cultivate the acquaintance of Mr. Bowman, as it might afford him an opportunity to obtain the information he desired. He had never played a game of billiards, but he was willing to try it.
"Come in, then," said Bowman.
He led the way into a room opposite the office, where stood a venerable-looking billiard table, probably twenty years old. It had been given to the landlord some years before by a gentleman, and it had seen hard service since then.
They played one game, and were about to commence another when a small girl with black hair cut short entered the room.
"Monsieur Bowman," she said, "your friend would like to see you. He feels quite bad."
"Plague take it!" said Bowman pettishly. "I can do him no good, but I suppose I shall have to go."
"Is it your partner?" asked Fred.
"Yes."
"If you don't mind I will walk over with you."