"You can convince me just as easily as you can Mellish. What's the use
of dragging him in?"

"I could convince you in a minute, but you might still refuse to play.
Now I'm bound to play this game and I can't take any risks. If my word
and Mellish's isn't good enough for you, why, say so."

"All right," cried Bert. "If you can convince Mellish that you will pay
if you lose I'll play you."

Rowell and Mellish retired into an inner room and after a few minutes
reappeared again.

Mellish's face was red when he went in. He was now a trifle pale.

"I don't like this, Bert," Mellish said, "and I think this game had
better stop right here."

"Then you are not convinced that I am sure of my money?"

"Yes, I am, but----"

"That's enough for me. Get out your new pack."

"You've given your word, Mellish," said Pony, seeing the keeper of the
house was about to speak. "Don't say any more."

"For such a sum two out of three is too sudden. Make it five out of
nine," put in Bert.