"O that's no matter! You can learn in two minutes," responded the friend of Boyd.
Young Howland felt reluctant, but he could not resist the influence that was around him, and so he consented to finger the cards with the rest. As they gathered around the table, a half-dollar was laid down by each of the young men, who looked towards Thomas as they did so.
"I cannot play for money," he said, coloring; for he felt really ashamed to acknowledge his scruples.
"And why not?" asked the friend of Boyd, looking him steadily in the face.
"Because I think it wrong," stammered out Howland, coloring still more deeply.
"Nonsense! Isn't your money your own? And pray what harm is there in your doing with your own as you please?" urged the tempter.
"But I do not know enough of the game to risk my money."
"You don't think we would take advantage of your ignorance?" Boyd said. "The stake is only to give interest to the game. I would not give a copper for a game of cards without a stake. Come, put down your half-dollar, and we'll promise to pay you back all you loose, if you wish it, until you acquire some skill."
But Thomas felt reluctant, and hesitated. Nevertheless, he was debating the matter in his mind seriously, and every moment that reluctance was growing weaker.
"Will you play?" Boyd asked in a decided tone, breaking in upon his debate.