Beyond midnight was a darkness which he would not now try to pierce.

As his eyes again became used to his surroundings, a look of determination, the determination of the true gambler, came into his face.

The real gambler never throws up the sponge till all is gone; never gives up till after the last toss of the last penny of cash or credit; for he has seen such innumerable times the thing come right and good fortune extend a friendly hand with the last hazard of all.
Suddenly he remembered--saw--a scene in the gambling rooms at Monte Carlo on the only visit he had ever paid to the place.

He had played constantly, and had won more or less each day.

Then his fortune turned and he lost and lost each day.