“Thanks,” said Halibut, dryly.
“Very well,” said the Major, “I agree to the conditions. Better come to my place and we’ll decide it now. If we look sharp, the winner may be able to know his fate to-day, after all.”
Halibut assenting, they walked back together. The feverish joy of the gambler showed in the Major’s eye as they drew their chairs up to the little antique chess table and began to place their pieces ready for the fray. Then a thought struck him, and he crossed over to the sideboard.
“If you’re feeling a bit off colour, Halibut,” he said, kindly, “you’d better have a little brandy to pull yourself together. I don’t wish to take a mean advantage.”
“You’re very good,” said the other, as he eyed the noble measure of liquid poured out by his generous adversary.
“And now to business,” said the Major, as he drew himself a little soda from a siphon.
“Now to business,” repeated Halibut, rising and placing his glass on the mantel-piece.
The Major struggled fiercely with his feelings, but, despite himself, a guilty blush lent colour to the other’s unfounded suspicions.
“Remember the conditions,” said Halibut, impressively.
“Here’s my hand on it,” said the other, reaching over.