He had failed in everything.

He might perhaps keep out of gaol; but the blow to his reputation was fatal.

He had played for a big stake and lost, and he saw before him only drudgery and lifelong shame.
He had reached his lodgings, half-turned at the door, and saw behind him the Court tipstaff, who had been sent after him.
"The Judge wants you back at the Court, Mr.Blake," said the tipstaff.
"All right.

Wait till I run up to my room for some papers.

I'll be down in a minute," and he ran upstairs.
The tipstaff waited cheerfully enough, until he heard the crack of a revolver-shot echo through the passages of the big boarding-house.