"Frank, lend me five pounds: I am desperate."
"Here they are, old boy. Play cautiously."
Cecil seized them with a greedy clutch.
"Make your game, gentlemen," said the dull-eyed dealer.
Cecil threw the five sovereigns on the red.
The cards were dealt with leisurely precision.
"Après," said the dealer.
The croupiers, in accordance with the laws of the same, deducted half the stakes on the table.
"Is that your caution, Cis?" whispered Frank.
"It is my desperation," he said between his teeth.