"It is all distasteful, but as you will not give me back my word, I will keep it to the letter.
Still, it almost makes me reluctant to ask you a further favor." "This one is promised before you ask it," said Winston quietly.
It cost Maud Barrington some trouble to make her wishes clear, and Winston's smile was not wholly one of pleasure as he listened.

One of the young English lads, who was, it appeared, a distant connection of the girl's, had been losing large sums of money at a gaming table, and seeking other equally undesirable relaxations at the railroad settlement.

For the sake of his mother in England, Miss Barrington desired him brought to his senses, but was afraid to appeal to the Colonel, whose measures were occasionally more Draconic than wise.
"I will do what I can," said Winston.

"Still, I am not sure that a lad of the kind is worth your worrying over, and I am a trifle curious as to what induced you to entrust the mission to me ?" The girl felt embarrassed, but she saw that an answer was expected.
"Since you ask, it occurred to me that you could do it better than anybody else," she said.
"Please don't misunderstand me, but I fancy it is the other man who is leading him away." Winston smiled somewhat grimly.

"Your meaning is quite plain, and I am already looking forward to the encounter with my fellow-gambler.