"Isn't our young friend going to try his luck?" smiled, rather than asked, the unctuous Goodman.
"No; I never play for money," was the quiet response.
Once the ice was broken the game went on for higher, and still higher, stakes, until Walter, getting actually frightened at the recklessness with which Ramon played and lost, rose to go.
After vainly urging him to remain, annoyed at his failure to make Walter play, enraged by his own losses, Ramon followed Walter outside the door, shut it behind them, and said in a menacing sort of way, "Not a word of this at the store."
"Promise you won't play any more."
"I won't do no such thing. Who set you up for my guardian? If you're mean enough to play the sneak, tell if you dare!"
Walter felt his anger rising, but controlled himself. "Oh, very well, only remember that I warned you," he replied, turning away.
"Don't preach, Master Innocence!" sneered Ramon.