Part 23 (1/2)
They who may have been thus conjecturing, with everybody else, are taken by surprise, in fact, somewhat startled, when the older of the two officers, bending across the table, tosses a hundred pound Bank of England note upon the baize, with as much nonchalance as if it were but a five-dollar bill!
”Shall I give you cheques for it?” asks the croupier, after examining the crisp note--current over all the earth--and knowing it good as gold.
”No,” answers Crozier; ”not yet. You can give that after the bet's decided--if I win it. If not, you can take the note. I place it on the Queen, against the Knave.”
The croupier, simply nodding a.s.sent, places the note as directed.
During the interregnum in which this little episode occurs, the English officers, hitherto scarce noticed, are broadly stared at, and closely scrutinised--Crozier becoming the cynosure of every eye. He stands it with a placid tranquillity, which shows him as careless about what they may think him, as he is of his cash.
Meanwhile, the cards have had a fresh shuffle, and the deal begins anew; all eyes again turning upon the game. In earnest expectancy; those who, like Crozier, have placed upon the Queen, wis.h.i.+ng her to show her face first. And she does.
”_Caballo en la puerta mozo_!” (The Queen in the door wins) cries the dealer, the words drawled out with evident reluctance, while a flash of fierce anger is seen scintillating in his eyes.
”Will you take it in cheques?” asks the croupier addressing himself to Crozier, after settling the smaller bets. ”Or shall I pay you in specie?”
”You needn't pay yet. Let the note lie. Only cover it with a like amount. I go it double, and again upon the Queen.”
Stakes are re-laid--some changed--others left standing or doubled, as Crozier's, which is now a bet for two hundred pounds.
On goes the game, the piece of smooth pasteboard slipping silently from the jewelled fingers of the dealer, whose eye is bent upon the cards, as if he saw through them--or would, if he could. But whatever his wish, he has no power to change the chances. If he have any professional tricks, there is no opportunity for him to practise them. There are too many eyes looking on; too many pistols and bowie-knives about; too many men ready to stop any attempt at cheating, and punish it, if attempted.
Again he is compelled to call out:
”_Caballo en la puerta mozo_!”
”Now, sir,” says the croupier to Crozier, after settling other scores, ”you want your money, I suppose?”
”Not yet. I'm not pressed, and can afford to wait. I again go double, and am still contented with my Queen.”
The dealing proceeds; with four hundred pounds lying on the _Caballo_ to Crozier's account--and ten times as much belonging to other bettors.
For now that the luck seems to be running with the Englishman, most lay their stakes beside his.
Once again: ”_Caballo en la puerta mozo_!”
And again Crozier declines to take up his bet.
He has now eight hundred pounds sterling upon the card--sixteen hundred on the turn of the game--while the others, thoroughly a.s.sured that his luck is on the run, double theirs, till the bets against the bank post up to as many thousands.
De Lara begins to look anxious, and not a little downhearted. Still more anxious, and lower in heart, appears him seated on the opposite side--Calderon; for it is his money that is moving away. He is visibly excited. On the contrary, Crozier is as cool as ever, his features set in a rigid determination to do what he promised--break the bank, or lose all he has got about him. The last, not likely yet, for soon again comes the cry:
”_The Queen winner_!”
There is a pause longer than usual, for the settling of such a large score; and after it an interval of inaction. The dealer seems inclined to discontinue; for still lying upon the Queen is Crozier's stake, once more doubled, and now counting three thousand two hundred pounds!
Asked if he intends to let it remain, he replies sneeringly:
”Of course I do; I insist upon it. And once more I go for the Queen.
Let those who like the Knave better, back him!”