He sauntered down the deserted street, pausing before the establishment of Selby Brothers.
From the door of this emerged one Elmer Huff, clerk at the City Drug Store.

Elmer had purchased a package of cigarettes and now offered one to Merton.
"'Lo, Mert! Have a little pill ?" "No, thanks," replied Merton firmly.
He had lately given up smoking--save those clandestine indulgences at the expense of Gashwiler--because he was saving money against his great day.
Elmer lighted one of his own little pills and made a further suggestion.
"Say, how about settin' in a little game with the gang to-night after the store closes--ten-cent limit ?" "No, thanks," replied Merton, again firmly.
He had no great liking for poker at any limit, and he would not subject his savings to a senseless hazard.

Of course he might win, but you never could tell.
"Do you good," urged Elmer.

"Quit at twelve sharp, with one round of roodles." "No, I guess not," said Merton.
"We had some game last night, I'll tell the world! One hand we had four jacks out against four aces, and right after that I held four kings against an ace full.

Say, one time there I was about two-eighty to the good, but I didn't have enough sense to quit.