Well, he would try his luck again unknown to Pinkey, arguing with the blind obstinacy of the gambler that after his abstinence fate would class him as a beginner, the novice who wins a sweep with the first ticket he buys, or backs the winner at a hundred to one because he fancies its name.
Chook and Pinkey had been inseparable since their marriage, and he spent a week trying to think of some excuse for going out alone at night.

But Pinkey, noticing his gloomy looks, decided that he needed livening up, and ordered him to spend a shilling on the theatre.
Instantly Chook declined to go alone, and Pinkey fell into the trap.
She had meant to go with him at the last moment, but now she declared that the night air made her cough.

Chook could tell her all about the play when he came home.

This in itself was a good omen, and when two black cats crossed his path on the way to the tram, it confirmed his belief that his luck was in.
When Chook reached Castlereagh Street, he hesitated.

It was market-day on Thursday, and the two sovereigns in his pocket stood for his banking account.