"robert asprin - 06 - little myth marker" - читать интересную книгу автора (Asprin Robert)

defensively, "But he's been winning all night."

"I've lost more than you have," Pidge said, "and
you don't see me griping. I'm tellin' you Mr. Skeeve is
good. I've sat in on games with the Kid, and I should
know."

"The Kid? You've played against him?" Grunk was
visibly impressed.

"And lost my socks doing it," Pidge admitted wryly.
"I'd say that Mr Skeeve here is good enough to give him
a run for his money, though."

"Gentlemen? Are we here to talk or to play cards?"
the Geek interrupted, tapping the deck meaningfully.

"I'm out," Pidge said, rising to his feet. "I know
when I'm outclassedЧeven if I have to go in the hole
before I'll admit it. My marker still good. Geek?"

"It's good with me if nobody else objects."

Grunk noisily slammed his fist down on the table,
causing several of my stacks of chips to fall over.

"What's this about markers?" he demanded. "I
thought this was a cash-only game! Nobody said any-
thing about playing for lOUs."

"Pidge here's an exception," the Geek said. "He's
always made good on his marker before. Besides, you
don't have to worry about it, Grunk. You aren't even
getting all of your money back."

"Yeah. But I lost it betting against somebody who's
betting markers instead of cash. It seems to me..."

"I'll cover his marker," I said loftily. "That makes it
personal between him and me, so it doesn't involve
anyone else at the table. Right, Geek?"

"That's right. Now shut up and play, Grunk. Or do
you want us to deal you out?"

The monster grumbled a bit under his breath but
leaned back and tossed in another chip to ante for the
next hand.

"Thanks, Mr. Skeeve," Pidge said. "And don't