Law won. "_Deux_," he said calmly, and turned away as though it were a
matter of course. The cards went round again. "_Trois_," he said, as he
glanced at his stakes, now doubled again.

Wilson murmured. "Luck's with him for a start," said he, "but 'tis a
long road." He himself had lost at the second turn. "_Quint_!" "_Seix_!"
"_Sept et le va_!" in turn called Law, still coolly, still regarding with
little interest the growing heap of coin upon the board opposite the
glittering ring which he had left lying on the table.

"_Vingt-un, et le va_!"

"Good God!" cried Castleton, the sweat breaking out upon his forehead.
"See the fellow's luck!--Pembroke, sure he hath stole thy slipper. Such
a run of cards was never seen in this room since Rigby, of the Tenth,
made his great game four years ago."

"_Vingt-cinq; et le va_!" said John Law, calmly.

Will touched his sleeve. The stake had now grown till the money on the
hoard meant a matter of hundreds of pounds, which might he removed at
any turn the winner chose. It was there but for the stretching out of
the hand. Yet this strange genius sat there, scarce deigning to smile at
the excited faces of those about him.

"I'll lay thee fifty to one that the next turn sees thee lose!" cried
Castleton.

"Done," said John Law.