"I don't mind," said the Englishman.
Now there was great interest. Somehow, Frank felt that a climax was coming. He watched everything with deep interest.
Luck continued to run against Bloodgood. To Frank's surprise, it was plain Mr. Slush was winning. This seemed to surprise and puzzle both the Englishman and the Frenchman.
It was hard work to draw the little man in when Hazleton or Montfort dealt. On his own deal or that of Bloodgood, he seemed ready for anything.
"By Jove!" whispered Frank, in Diamond's ear. "That man is not such a fool as I thought! I haven't been able to understand him at all, and I don't understand him now."
At length there came a big jack-pot. It was passed round several times. Then Hazleton opened it on three nines.
Bloodgood sat next. He had two pairs, aces up, and he raised instantly.
Montfort was the next man. He held a pair of deuces, but he saw all that had been bet, and doubled the amount!
Mr. Slush hesitated a little. He seemed ready to lay down, but finally braced up and came in, calling.
Hazleton did not accept the call. He raised again.