Old Gingles, however, so turned the odds against Alick that many began to murmur at the extraordinary change in the play.
“Now’s your time,” said Alick to the noble captain, “the odds are two to one against me; take all you can get at that price. I am sure to win.”
The noble captain having received “the tip” from his friend Alick, took all the odds laid against him, until his £2,000 was exhausted.
The game progressed, and was very, nay, intensely exciting.
Now old Gingles was a point or two in advance, but in a few moments Alick was level again, and great applause was the consequence.
The two players now stood game and game.
The third game or the rubber was to decide it.
It began, and was quickly played, but by the merest chance of bad luck Alick lost it by a single point.
“Lost it!” gasped Captain Jack.
“Yes,” said Alick; “by the merest chance in the world.”