“How long have you lived in this part of the world, Mr. Bootle?”
“Only a few weeks. I am not in the habit of staying too long in places likely to prove unprofitable. I’m a bird of passage, fond of migrating, in season or out of season.”
“And in what way do you expect to make this place profitable?”
“H’m! That’s a bit of a secret yet. I don’t believe in being indiscreet.”
“In other words, you distrust me?”
“You put your question in a somewhat abrupt style. Still, as you are no doubt aware, there are some ways of earning a living of which the authorities have a nasty knack of disapproving. You strike me as just the sort of man whom I want to get hold of. Yet I have no guarantee that such is really the case, and I have too much at stake to risk failure by being unduly confidential.”
“Look here, Mr. Bootle. Say right out what you want to say. I don’t think you have any real doubts as to my likelihood of proving just the sort of man you want. If there is money in the job, and I am to have my share in it, I’m in with you, provided there isn’t too much risk to be run; but you need not imagine that I’ll be a mere tool for anybody. Acting partner on equal terms, if you like, and I am your man. Now, what do you want me to do?”
“Not much. You are lucky at cards. I would like to share your luck.”
“I see. You have something in immediate view. Who is the pigeon to be plucked?”
“A young fellow who is visiting at Gibraltar just now. He lately succeeded to a fortune that he did not expect, and is now doing his level best to make ducks and drakes of it. He is outrageously fond of cards, and loses with the best grace imaginable. It hurts me to see the way in which he is enriching all sorts of cads, and I have often wondered how I could divert a share of this stream of wealth in my direction. Last night I arrived at a possible solution of my perplexities. I saw you play. Without hinting that your methods of playing are not all square and above board, I must say that I could not help noticing the wonderful facility with which you were always able to produce winning cards. Do you think you can be as successful with anyone?”