Having increased his gains manyfold, he was (being quite a natural person) naturally incensed that they were not more.

Yielding to his half-formed resolve, he dug up his herd of cattle and put them on the table.

"I am now prepared to grab old Opportunity by the scalp-lock," he announced.
He played on with varying success.

Presently, holding aces up, and being persistently crosslifted by the Eminent One and the Judge, after a one-card draw all around, he became obsessed with the fixed idea that they were both bluffing and afraid to show down.

When this delusion was dispelled, he noted with chagrin that the spoils of Egypt had departed, taking with them some plenty of real money.
That was the turning-point.