"I played a better game that time than before, and still you came within one of beating me." "I think I shall become a good player in time," said Mark, complacently.
"Yes, and in a very short time.

Now," said James, "I have a proposal to make to you." "What is it ?" "We'll bet twenty-five cents on the next game, to give a little interest to it." Mark had no special scruples against betting, which is only one form of gambling, but he decidedly objected to losing money, so he answered, cautiously: "I don't know about that.

You beat me both of the other games." "That's true; but you play better now than you did at first." "That may be so." "What are twenty-five cents, anyway?
I expect to lose it, but it will increase the interest of the game." So Mark was persuaded, and the game was played.
James Carson managed to let Mark beat him by five shots, and the latter was correspondingly elated.
"You beat me after all," said James, pretending to be much disappointed, "and by five points.

I'll tell you what I'll do--I'll give you the same odds, and bet a dollar on the game.

I suppose it's foolish, but I'll risk it!" "Done!" said Mark, eagerly.
His cupidity was excited, and he felt sure of winning the dollar, as he had the twenty-five cents.