"Thank you," breathed Mr. Slush, with a show of relief. "Now, I'll tell
you--why I called. I--er--saw a young man--leaving this room--a few
minutes ago."

"Yes."

"Mr. Bloodgood."

"Yes."

"I--I have taken an interest in--Mr. Bloodgood. I--I think he is--a
rather nice young man."

"I don't admire your taste," came from Jack.

"Eh? I don't know him--very well. You understand. Met him--in the
smoking-room. Sometimes I--er--play cards--for amusement. Met him that
way."

"Does he play for amusement?" asked Frank.

"Oh, yes--ah--of course. That is--he--he likes--a little stake."

"I thought so."

"I--I don't mind that."

"Great Scott!" thought Merry. "I don't see how he ever gets round to
play cards for money. I shouldn't think he'd know what to do. It would
take him so long to make up his mind."