"I would cover double that if your excellency dares to stake it," the baker said imperturbably.
A contemptuous smile played for the second time on the horseman's haughty lips.
"I do dare it," he said.
"Two thousand ounces, then?"
"Agreed."
"Shall I cut?" Cucharés asked timidly.
"Why not?" the other answered lightly.
The lepero seized the cards with a hand trembling from emotion. There was a hum of expectation from the gamblers who surrounded the table. At this moment a window opened in the house before which Tío Lucas had established his monte table, and a charming girl leant carelessly over the balcony, looking down into the street.
The stranger turned to the balcony, and rising in his stirrups,—
"I salute the lovely Anita," he said, as he doffed his hat and bowed profoundly.