Bloodgood turned pale and then flushed. He held onto himself with all his strength. Here was his chance to get back his losings. Everything was in his favor. He was confident there were some good hands out, and it was very likely some of them might be improved on the draw, but he felt the pot was the same as his.
The Frenchman drew two cards.
Slush took one.
Then hot work began. Within three minutes Hazleton, with his three nines, had been driven out. Bloodgood, Montfort and Slush remained, raising steadily.
There was intense excitement in that room. The captain of the steamer had come in, and he was looking on. Some of the spectators were literally shaking with excitement.
Bloodgood's chips were used up. He flung money on the table.
All that he had went into the pot, and still he would not call. He offered his I.O.U.'s, but Mr. Slush declined to agree.
"Money or its equivalent," said the little man, with such decisiveness that all were astonished.
"I haven't any money," protested Bloodgood.
"Then you are out," said Slush.