these people-' and here Gareth glanced at Gregorius, no offence
meant,
of course. But I must admit I am staggered.' And the Ras nodded and
grinned happily, his eyes sparkling with triumph, as he waved Jake
and
Vicky to a seat on a pile of cushions beside him.
'If he's cheating don't play with him,' suggested Vicky, and
Gareth looked pained.
'You don't understand, old girl. I haven't been able to figure how
he's doing it. He's invented a method new to science and the gambling
halls of the world. He might be an absolutely unscrupulous old rogue,
but he must be some sort of genius as well. I've just got to keep on
playing with him until I work out his system.' Gareth's doleful
expression became radiant. 'My God, when I do Monte Carlo here I
came!' He discarded a six of spades. The Ras leapt upon it with a
cackle of triumph and began laying out his hand.
'Oh my God,' groaned Gareth. 'He's done it again.' The tense group of
counsellors and elders around the game exploded in a delighted burst of
cheers and felicitations, and the Ras acknowledged their
congratulations like a victorious prizefighter. Grinning and snuffling
he leaned across the rug and with a loud cry of 'How do you do!' he
punched Gareth's arm playfully, and Gareth winced and massaged the limb
tenderly.
'He does that every time he wins. He's got a touch like a demented
blacksmith I'm black and blue.'
'How do you do!' cried the Ras again, louder than before, and he
shaped up to punch once more, but
Gareth hastily produced his purse, and the Ras relaxed.
'He keeps punching until I pay.' Gareth counted out the coins,
while the Ras and his followers watched in heavy-breathing
concentration, which only broke into smiles and laughter again when the
pile of coins in front of Gareth reached the stipulated amount. 'No
credit in this game,' Gareth explained, as he shoved the money
across.
'Cash on the nail, or you get your arm broken. This old bastard Gareth
glanced again at Gregorius, I no offence, of course.
But this old bastard wouldn't trust his own mother, probably with good
reason. I'm absolutely appalled! I've met some shockers in my time
but this chap takes the biscuit.' There was a deep respect in
Gareth's tone, which changed to mild alarm as the Ras gathered the
cards preparatory to the next deal, and he turned to Gregorius.
'Please explain to your dear grandfather that, though I'd be delighted
to accommodate him at a future date, I do think he should now
concentrate a little of his skills on confounding the common enemy.
The armies of Italy are waiting. Reluctantly, the Ras laid the cards
aside and, with a sharp speech in Amharic, put the war council into
session, then immediately turned to Jake Barton.
'My grandfather wishes to know the state of his armoured squadron.
He is impressed with the cars, and is certain that they can be used to
great advantage.'
