They all laughed as though there was some wit in the ill-mannered sally; but I had no time to spare for taking heed of their foolishness.
"You can do me a service," I said eagerly.
"You give me news," Elmscott laughed. "'Tis a strange service that I can render. Well, what may it be?"
"I need money for one thing, and----" A roar of laughter broke in upon my words.
"Money!" cries Elmscott. "Lord, that any one should come to me for money!" and he leaned back in his chair laughing as heartily as the best of them. "Why, Morrice, it's all gone--all gone into the devil's whirlpool. Howbeit," he went on, growing suddenly serious, "I will make a bargain with you. Stand by my side here. I have it in my mind that you will bring me luck. Stand by my side, and in return, if I win, I will lend you what help I may."
"Nay, cousin," said I, "my business will not wait."
"Nor mine," he replied, "nor mine. Stand by me! I shall not be long. My last stake's on the table."
He seized hold of my arm as he spoke with something of prayer in his eyes, and reluctantly I consented. In truth, I knew not what else to do. 'Twas plain he was in no mood to hearken to my request, even if he had the means to grant it.
"That's right, lad!" he bawled, and then to the servant: "Brandy! Brandy, d'ye hear! And a great deal of it! Now, gentlemen, you will see. Mr. Buckler is a student of Leyden. 'Tis full time that some good luck should come to us from Holland."
And he turned him again to the table. His pleasantry was received with an uproarious merriment, which methought it hardly merited. But I have noted since that round a gaming-table, so tense is the spirit which it engenders, the poorest jest takes the currency of wit.