I set into this game for amusement, and not with the idea of beating anybody to any such extent as this." Snell hesitated, and then the hot blood mounted quickly to his face, which had been so pale a few moments before.
"No, I will not take the money!" he grated.

"I take the offer as an insult, Merriwell." "No insult is intended, I assure you." Snell was shrewd enough to know he would stand little chance of getting into another game of poker with that company if he accepted the money, and so he made a desperate effort to control his rage and play the hypocrite.
"I don't suppose you did mean the offer as an insult, Merriwell; and I presume I was too hasty.

I am rather quick at times, and, as Dare says, I was beaten at my own game, which made me hot.

You had nerve, Merriwell; take the money--keep it." The words almost choked him, but he pretended to be quite sincere, although his heart was full of bitterness and a longing to "get even." It was some time before Frank could be persuaded to accept his winnings, and, when he did finally take it, he was resolved to return it quietly and secretly to Snell, at such a time that no one else could know anything of it.
This matter was scarcely settled when there came a peculiar rap on the door.
"Who's that ?" asked Frank, in some alarm.
"It's our sentinel," assured Harris.

"His time on post is up." The door opened, and Leslie Gage entered the room.