Mark took his place behind him as play began.

The game was ecarte, and for a time Emerson lost.
"I think the luck has changed, Mr.Cotter, but as we generally raise the stakes after playing for a bit, I am ready to do so.

Shall we make it fifty pounds again ?" "With pleasure," the young man said.
He won the next two games, then for some time they won alternately.
"Shall we say a hundred again ?" he said.
"As you like," Emerson replied.

"We don't seem to get much forwarder either way at present." A considerable number of lookers on had now gathered round.

So far Mark, although watching the fingers of the opposite player intently, had seen no sign whatever of unfair play.