"Let the beggar see himself out. If we have luck he may break his neck as he goes downstairs. He's made a bid for it." It seemed that he had. We could hear him stumble down two or three steps at a time. We listened. There was the sound of another stumble. Pendarvon laughed. "Bid number two."
Directly afterwards we heard him fidgeting with the handle of the front door. Archie grew restless.
"He'll raise the dead if he goes on like that much longer. Let me go down, and let him out."
We heard the door open, and immediately afterwards shut with a bang.
"He's let himself out. I fancy a little more rapidly than he intended. I'll bet an even pony that he's gone face foremost into the street. Let's hope it." Pendarvon picked up a pack of cards. "It's my deal. What are we going to do?"
Getting up, Archie helped himself to another soda and whiskey.
"Who'll have some?" We both of us did. "Let's play unlimited. I'm sick of this." Pendarvon raised his glass.
"Here's to you, Archie; you're a gambler."
"I thank the stars I am. Have you any objection, Reggie?"
I shrugged my shoulders, perceiving that remonstrance would be thrown away.