"Toby, you are quite unique!" he said.

"Superb too in your funny little way.

Your only excuse is that you're young.

Does it never occur to you that you've attached yourself to the wrong person ?" "No, sir," breathed Toby.
"You're not afraid to stake all you've got on a bad card ?" pursued Saltash, still curiously watching him.
"No, sir," he said again; and added with his faint, unboyish smile, "I haven't much to lose anyway." Saltash's hand tightened upon him.

He was smiling also, but the gleam in his eyes had turned to leaping, fitful flame.