“Fifty-one,” said McGregor.

“Sixty.”

“Sixty-one.”

“Seventy.”

“Seventy-one.”

“Eighty.”

“Eighty-one.”

“A lakh!” cried Irwin, who was now pale from excitement.

“Really?” asked McGregor calmly, “that is a fine bid. A lakh—that is, reckoned at the present rate of exchange, 6,500 pounds sterling. You will be a wealthy man, Irwin, if you win. Now, then, I see you.”

With trembling fingers, but with a triumphant look, the Captain laid down his cards.