Beginning with guineas, he gradually, as luck favored him, played five guineas, and after half an hour's play won fifty.

Then luck turned, and in a few minutes he had lost all he won.
"You ought to have stopped, Mark," Dick said reproachfully, as he stepped back from his place, which was at once filled by one who had been standing behind him.
The play in the inner room had now begun, and Mark went in and joined those who were looking on.

In half an hour one of the players had had enough, and a young man said to Emerson, who was standing on the other side of the table: "Now, Mr.Emerson, will you give me my revenge ?" "I would really rather not, Mr.Cotter.The luck has been so one sided lately that I would rather leave it alone." "But it may turn tonight," the other said.

"At any rate, I will try it, if you have no objection." There was a certain eagerness in the young man's voice that caused Mark to watch him closely.

He was a good looking young fellow, but his face was not a strong one; and although he evidently tried to assume an appearance of indifference as he sat down, there was a nervous movement of his fingers.