He soon reappeared with the punch, and the door was locked again.
"Hold your package over the steam of your punch, and the gum will dissolve so that you can open and close it in a way that will defy detection."
The suggestion was speedily carried out.
"Now," continued Mr. Ketchem, "the punch having already served so excellent a turn, we will finish it by drinking to your good luck."
Haldane won the first two games. This success, together with the liquor, which was strong, almost wholly dethroned his reason, and in his mad, drunken excitement he began to stake large sums. The eyes of his companions grew more wolfish than ever, and, after a significant flash toward each other, the gamblers turned fortune against their victim finally. The brandy was now placed within his reach, and under its influence Haldane threw down money at random. The first package was soon emptied. He snatched the other from his pocket and tore it open, but before its contents had likewise disappeared his head drooped upon his breast, and he became insensible.
They watched him a moment, smiled grimly at each other, drew a long breath of relief, and, rising, stretched themselves like men who had been under a strain that had taxed them severely.
"Half an hour yet," said Mr. Van Wink; "wish the time was up."
"This is a heavy swag if we get off safely with it. I say, Haldane, wake up."
But Haldane was sunk in the deepest stupor.
"I guess it's safe enough," said Van Wink, answering Ketchem's questioning eyes.