“Curse it!” Madison finally cried. “Why did that fellow come down there and make a scene with his pistol!”
“Forget it,” laughed Herrick.
“That’s all right to say, but it isn’t easy to do. I’m a fool! I’ll be in the same way that chap is if I don’t look out!”
“Nonsense! Luck was against you the last time, Billy, but you are almost always a winner.”
“I believe my luck has turned. But I’m in the hole.”
“Got to find your money where you lost it, my boy,” purred the tempter.
“That’s right!” exclaimed Madison, rising. “Come on, gentlemen; let’s go out there and see if fortune will smile on us to-night.”
They left the dining-room, returning to the apartment where quiet, well-dressed men were gambling.
“What shall it be, jack?” asked Madison. “Will we go against the roulette wheel, or try faro a whirl? I leave it to you.”
“I lost two thousand at the faro-table last night,” said the Virginian. “I am going back to the same table.”