"Heh. You got it... Though I'll be doing my best to beat out your count."

Never could turn down a challenge, this guy. And the notion does seem to perk him up a bit. Not that he was in danger of giving up, but that gives him an extra dose of motivation. And determination to survive.

"Winner gets pancakes in the morning."

The loser will ALSO get pancakes, but that goes unsaid.

"See you then."