For the seventh time Chook threw heads, and was twelve pounds to the good.

This was his dream come true, and with the faith of the gambler in omens, he knew that was the end of his luck.

He set two pounds of his winnings, and tossed the coins.
"Two ones!" cried the gamblers, with a roar.
Chook threw again.

One penny fell flat on its face; the other rolled on its edge across the ring.

In a sudden, deadly silence, a hundred necks craned to follow its movements.