"'Do you believe, sir,' the Mexican said to me, 'that this bill represents the sum before you?'
"These words were accompanied by the sarcastic smile this man constantly had on his lips, and which drove me wild.
"'Yes,' I replied haughtily, 'and I am awaiting your determination.'
"'It is formed,' he said. 'Ask for new cards, and let us begin. Still, you can recall your word, if you like.'
"'Nonsense,' I said, as I undid a fresh pack of cards.
"Although our altercation had been short, as everybody knew our feelings toward each other, the conversation had broken off, and all the guests at the tertulia had collected around us. A profound silence prevailed in the room, and the faces expressed the curiosity and interest aroused by this strange scene. After shuffling the cards for some time, I handed them to my opponent to cut. The stranger laid his right hand on the pack, and said to me impertinently:—
"'There is yet time.'
"I shrugged my shoulders as reply. He cut, and I began dealing. At the fourth hand I had lost, and was ruined!"
The pirate stopped. For some time his voice had been growing weaker, and it was only by making extreme efforts that he succeeded in speaking distinctly.
"Drink!" he said so softly that the girl scarce heard him. She caught up a skin of water.