and the sportsmen thought they would be neglecting their opportunities
if they did not try to "get a bit to go on with" from him.
He agreed to play, and, just as a matter of courtesy, they asked the priest
whether he would take a hand.

"What game d'ye play?" he asked, in a melodious brogue.

They explained that any game was equally acceptable to them,
but they thought it right to add that they generally played for money.

"Sure an' it don't matter for wanst in a way," said he --
"Oi'll take a hand bedad -- Oi'm only going about fifty miles,
so Oi can't lose a fortune."

They lifted a light portmanteau on to their knees to make a table,
and five of them -- three of the Mulligan crowd and the two strangers --
started to have a little game of poker. Things looked rosy
for the Mulligan boys, who chuckled as they thought how soon
they were making a beginning, and what a magnificent yarn they would have
to tell about how they rooked a priest on the way down.

Nothing sensational resulted from the first few deals, and the priest began
to ask questions.

"Be ye going to the races?"

They said they were.

"Ah! and Oi suppose ye'll be betting wid thim bookmakers --
betting on the horses, will yez? They do be terrible knowing men,