Really, it abases me.
It's never been done before in this house."
"I declare you're the most comfortable young man to have around that I
have ever known. Isn't he, Kay?" Mrs. Parker declared.
"I think you're very kind," the girl assured him. "And I think it will
be very delightful to be paying guests to such a host, Don Mike Farrel."
"Then it's settled," Parker announced, much relieved.
"And let us here highly resolve that we shall always be good friends
and dwell together in peace," Kay suggested.
"I made that resolve when you met me at the gate last night, Miss
Parker. Hark! Methinks I hear a young riot. Well, we cannot possibly
have any interest in it, and, besides, we're talking business now. Mr.
Parker, there isn't the slightest hope of my earning sufficient money
to pay the mortgage you hold against this ranch of mine, so I have
resolved to gamble for it whenever and wherever I can. You have agreed
to pay me six thousand dollars, in return for which I guarantee to feed
you and your family and servants well, and house you comfortably and
furnish three saddle-horses, with saddles and bridles, for a period of
one year. Understand?"
"Understood."
Don Miguel Farrel took two dice out of his pocket and cuddled them in
his palm.
"I'll roll you the bones, one flop, twelve thousand dollars or nothing,
sir," he challenged.
"But if I win--"
"You want to know if I am in a position to support you all for one year
if I lose? I am.
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