And Fresno explained.
"You see, I'm a guest over there; but there's no sentiment with me in money matters." He produced a wallet, and took from it five one-hundred-dollar bills. "Bet this for me, and don't let on where it came from. I'll see you after the race. Mind you, not a word!"
"I'm dumb as the Egyptian Spinks."
"This race means a lot to me, Mr. Skinner." The guest of the
Flying Heart Ranch turned to its enemy. "There's a girl in it.
Understand?" The cook showed the gleam of his teeth. "If you win,
I'll send you some wedding-cake and—a box of cigars."
"Thanks," said the other; "but I've got a bum tooth, and I don't smoke."
As Fresno left, there approached, in a surging group, the opposing side.
"Good-evenin', Gabby!" Stover called, loudly, as he came within speaking distance. "Here we come en massay, and with ladies, to further embarrass and degrade you in the hour of your defeat!"
"We ain't defeated yit! How do, Mr. Chapin."
"Did you get our message?"
"Yes. But we ain't seen the color of y'all's money."