“Thanks; but I'll not be tempted.”
“I say red, and a thousand francs,” cried a Neapolitan.
“There 's heavier play outside, I suspect,” said Martin, as a wild, hoarse shout from the streets re-echoed through the room.
“A fine,—a fine,—Martin is fined!” cried several around the table.
“You have n't left me wherewithal to pay it, gentlemen,” said he, laughing. “I was just about to retire, a bankrupt, into private life.”
“That's platoon fire,” exclaimed the Pole, as the loud detonation of small arms seemed to shake the very room.
“Czernavitz also fined,” cried two together.
“I bow in submission to the Court,” said the Pole, throwing down the money on the table.
“Lend me as much more,” said Martin; “it may change my luck.” And with this gambler's philosophy, he again drew nigh the table.
This slight interruption over, the game proceeded as before. Martin, however, was now a winner, every wager succeeding, and every bet he made a gain.