Slowly the financier sank back into his chair. He gulped in a large breath of air and tried to steady himself, a sickly smile around his mouth.
"Excuse me, Professor. But you took me by surprise." Hands trembling, he began to shuffle the deck.
There was a knock at the door, and a crewman entered.
"What is it, Stacey?" said Captain Evans.
"Chief Wyman is waiting to see you in your quarters, sir."
With a sigh of relief, the Captain turned in his few chips. "Time for me to quit, anyway."
His face still red, Jasperson looked up hopefully. "Shall I come with you? Any way I can be of use?"
"No thank you, Burl. I'll leave you to your little game."
In the Captain's quarters, Chief Wyman was pacing the floor.