angel did I ask it to help me out of mine own folly. If we have but a
bit of this cold joint, and a place for my brother Will to sit in
comfort as we play, I shall beg to hope, my friends, that I shall be
allowed to stake this trifle against a little of the money that I see
here; which, I take it, is subject to the fortunes of war."

He tossed on the board a ring, which carried in its setting a diamond of
size and brilliance.

"This fellow hath a cool assurance enough," muttered Beau Wilson to his
neighbor as he leaned toward him at the table.

Pembroke, always good-natured, laughed at the effrontery of the
newcomer.

"You say very well; it is there for the fortune of war," said he. "It is
all yours, if you can win it; but I warn you, beware, for I shall have
your jewel and your letters of credit too, if ye keep not sharp watch."

"Yes," said Castleton, "Pembroke hath warrant for such speech. The man
who can make _sept et le va_ thrice in one evening is hard company for
his friends."

John Law leaned back comfortably in his chair.

"I make no doubt," said he, "that I shall make _trente et le va_, here
at this table, this very evening."

Smiles and good-natured sneerings met this calm speech.