It was almost natural for the wish to try his luck again at cards to be formed; particularly as he was in great need of money, and saw no legitimate means of getting the needed supply.
The frequency with which Ellis had spent his evenings abroad made him acquainted with many phases of city life hidden from ordinary observers.

Idle curiosity had more than once led him to visit certain gambling-houses on a mere tour of observation; and, during these visits, he had each time been tempted to try a game or two, in which cases little had been lost or won.

The motive for winning did not then exist in tempting strength; and, besides, Ellis was naturally a cautious man.

Now, however, the motive did exist.
"Yes, I do play well," said he, mentally answering the remembered compliment of Carlton, "and but for your stealing away my brains with liquor, you would have found me a different kind of antagonist." Ellis had fifty dollars in his pocket.

This sum was the amount of the day's sales of goods in his store.