His companion turned his head a little.
"No, nothing," said he.
The movement which he had made, rapid as it had been, was enough; the stroke was played, a magnificent dos de oro, carelessly thrown by Mataseis, stood out boldly by the side of the other.
"I have lost again," piteously said Sacatripas, drawing another ounce from his pocket.
"Will you go on?" asked Mataseis, removing the stakes.
This was too much; it awakened the half-dormant suspicions of Sacatripas.
"Yes," replied he; "why not?"
"Why, because you are not in luck, and I should not like to occasion you too serious losses, my dear friend."
"I thank you, but don't concern yourself about that, I beg; luck will return to me, I hope."
"Very well; how much shall we play for this time?"