CHAPTER I: THE SPORT OF CHANCE

“DEEP PLAY!” I HEARD MAJOR Wolfe whisper to Lord Balmerino. “Can Montagu’s estate stand such a drain?”

“No. He will be dipped to the last pound before midnight. ’Tis Volney’s doing. He has angled for Montagu a se’nnight, and now he has hooked him. I have warned the lad, but——”

He shrugged his shoulders.

The Scotchman was right. I was past all caution now, past all restraint. The fever of play had gripped me, and I would listen to nothing but the rattle of that little box which makes the most seductive music ever sung by siren. My Lord Balmerino might stand behind me in silent protest till all was grey, and though