Page:Waylaid by Wireless - Balmer - 1909.djvu/287

Rh A middle-aged American broker edged forward.

"Mr. Tremont, who won the pool to-day," young Preston announced then, "asks me to say that he voted upon this agreement, considering it retroactive—that is, to include the pool he won to-day. His cabin number is seventy-nine. Mr. Tremont will play fair, and we will all keep away and give the thief his chance!"

"Gentlemen," cried Mr. Dunneston, "shall we now retire to the smoking-room and bid upon the next pool? Let us follow the spirit of our compact, and bid it high!"

The women clapped as the men laughed and filed out, looking at each other. 261