"_Trente et le va_--it hath not come out in the history of London play
for the past four seasons!" cried Wilson. "I'll lay you any odds that
you're not within eye-sight of _trente et le va_ these next five
evenings, if you favor us with your company."

"Be easy with me, good friends," said John. Law, calmly. "I am not yet
in condition for individual wagers, as my jewel is my fortune, till
to-morrow at least. But if ye choose to make the play at Lands-knecht, I
will plunge at the bank to the best of my capital. Then, if I win, I
shall be blithe to lay ye what ye like."

The young Englishmen sat looking at their guest with some curiosity. His
strange assurance daunted them.

"Surely this is a week of wonders," said Beau Wilson, with scarce
covered sarcasm in his tone. "First we have a wild man from Canada, with
his fairy stories of gold and gems, and now we have another gentleman
who apparently hath fathomed as well how to gain sudden wealth at will,
and yet keep closer home."

Law took snuff calmly. "I am not romancing, gentlemen," said he. "With
me play is not a hazard, but a science. I ought really not to lay on
even terms with you. As I have said, there is no such thing as chance.
There are such things as recurrences, such things as laws that govern
all happenings."

Laughter arose again at this, though it did not disturb the newcomer,
nor did the cries of derision which followed his announcement of his
system.