Sentence:  "A worthy prospect, I must say." Sterling nodded. "I'll introduce you to Mr. Flynn, once we reach Orleans." Jack gasped like a man stabbed. "Would by chance your friend be a pale looking sort with a <WSD>gamely</WSD> laugh?" Sterling drew his head back. 
Meaning of the word marked with <WSD> tags:  Sportive; lively; joyful.