"You were a little too hasty," he added, uncovering the dice.

"I am twelve, too.

We must throw again." "This to decide," cried the young officer, again rattling the dice.
"Six!" Parravicin smiled, took the box, and threw ten.
"Perdition!" ejaculated Disbrowe, striking his brow with his clenched hand.

"What devil tempted me to my undoing ?--My wife trusted to this profligate! Horror!--it must not be!" "It is too late to retract," replied Parravicin, taking up the key, and turning with a triumphant look to his friends.
Disbrowe noticed the smile, and stung beyond endurance, drew his sword, and called to the knight to defend himself.
In an instant, passes were exchanged.

But the conflict was brief.
Fortune, as before, declared herself in favour of Parravicin.