From the start things seemed to run against Halsey and Mrs. Noble even worse than before. At the same time fortune seemed to favor Constance. Again and again she won, until even Watson seemed to think there was something uncanny about it.
"Beginner's luck," remarked Bella with a forced laugh.
Still Constance won, not much, but steadily, though not enough to offset the larger winnings of Watson.
Fast and furious became the play and as steadily did it go against Halsey. Mrs. Noble retired, scarcely repressing the tears. Constance dropped out. Only Halsey and Watson remained, fighting as if it were a duel to the death.
"Please stop, Halsey," pleaded Mrs. Noble. "What is the use of tempting fortune?"
An insane half light seemed to glow in his eyes as, with a quick glance at Constance and a covert nod of approval from her, he forced a smile and playfully laid his finger on Mrs. Noble's lips.
"Double or quits, Watson," he cried. "Return the new certificates or take others for twice the amount. Are you game?"
"I'm on," agreed Watson coolly.
Halsey laid down his hand in triumph. There were four kings.
"I win," ground out Watson viciously, as he tossed down four aces.