"Never mind." Rafferty turned away, scooping up his remaining chips. He cashed them in and shambled out the door, still unable fully to understand that for the first time in his life he had met his master at the poker table.
After Rafferty was gone, the impeccable usher came over to Steel, who was sitting patiently by the huge pile of chips.
"You clean him out?"
"Just about," Steel said. "He had a little left to book passage with."
"It looked bad for a while, there. He was better than a hundred thousand ahead of you."
"It took me some time to detect his playing patterns," the house man said. "He was very, very good. He's the best player I've ever encountered."
"But he couldn't beat you, natch!"
"Hardly. Once I had penetrated his defenses, he was at my mercy." Steel rose, smiling blandly. "I took 9200 credits from him. It's thirsty work. How about a drink?"
"Sure thing," the impeccable man said. "I guess I can spare a drink for the best house operator this casino has." He took an oilcan from his jacket and inserted it at the back of Steel's neck. The robot grinned happily at the lubrication; his soft photonic eyes beamed.