Also one of the native boys brought a tray with spirits, from which I judged by various signs, old Marnham, who had already drunk his share at dinner, had helped himself freely on the way.

Soon we were arranged, Anscombe, who was to be my partner, opposite to me in his long chair, and the game began.
I forget what particular variant of cards it was we played, though I know it admitted of high and progressive stakes.

At first, however, these were quite moderate and we won, as I suppose we were meant to do.

After half an hour or so Marnham rose to help himself to brandy and water, a great deal of brandy and very little water, while I took a nip of Hollands, and Anscombe and Rodd filled their pipes.
"I think this is getting rather slow," said Rodd to Anscombe.

"I vote we put a bit more on." "As much as you like," answered Anscombe with a little drawl and twinkle of the eye, which always showed that he was amused.
"Both Quatermain and I are born gamblers.