My guess is, if he forked over the $600, there would be another level of gatherings, drink fests, fees until the pigeon eventually withdrew himself from the game.
As stated in the story’s comments, this could be fiction at the Atlantic or the author level. Good yarn, nonetheless.
Yeah, if the amenities were on the same level. But imagine walking into the room after forking out like a dummy and it’s all top shelf. “Ah, the few who had faith, welcome to the inner workings—here is your % of the annual dividends the Eucleian Society’s investments have accumulated since 1832. You will be killed if you speak of this. Now let us speak of boobies.’
Like I said, good story material.
Freegards