But our one friend with the long light locks was impatient for the fray.

The gambling-room had now been opened, and the servants of the table, less impatient than he, were slowly arranging their money and their cards.

Our friend had taken his seat, and was already resolving, with his eyes fixed on the table, where he would make his first plunge.

In his right hand was a bag of gold, and under his left hand were hidden the twelve napoleons with which he intended to commence.

On yesterday he had gone through his day's work by twelve, though on one or two occasions he had plunged deeply.