So far, however, she had not made much progress. Her object was to scrape a casual acquaintance with Mr. Staines, from which she hoped to evolve events that would work in her favour. But the early morning hours arrived before the opportunity she sought was hers. Gregory Staines played steadily on—first with one player, and then with another; first losing, then winning a game, with apparently commendable impartiality. Perhaps he did not keep careful note of the money that changed hands with startling frequency. But there was no lack of keen observers present, who, perhaps stimulated by the insinuations of the antagonistic sub., noted the fact that Gregory Staines’ winning games had almost invariably a greater amount at stake than the games at which he was the loser.
The latter, slightly carried away by his success, was losing his habitual caution, and was inclined to play as long as he could find anyone to play with him. Nor did he observe the angry scowls with which his triumphs were now being greeted by two or three of the men whom he had despoiled of their pocket money, until a warning hand was laid for a moment on his shoulder, and a voice whispered in his ear:—“Take care; you have enemies in the room.”
Glancing swiftly round, he saw a slightly-built young fellow of medium height looking at him meaningly. His own glance betrayed some nervousness, for he never lost sight of the possibility of being tracked by the friends of Harley Riddell. But he was speedily reassured on that score, and looked upon this young stranger as a new arrival, who might, possibly, prove profitable to him.
“Enemies?” he inquired, in the same low tone used by the stranger. “What reason have you for supposing that I have enemies, either here or elsewhere?”
“Success always provokes enmity. You have been extraordinarily successful to-night. Losers generally imagine their losses due to anything but bad play, and I just now accidentally overheard something that is of importance to you.”
“Another moment. Wait for me outside, if I am not asking too great a favour. I will follow you presently. Then we can discuss this matter more fully.”
Annie was only too thankful to escape from the rank atmosphere, in which she felt almost choked, although she successfully managed to hide her discomfort from others. She was soon pacing about the front of the hotel, which was a frequent resort of Englishmen, and conducted very much upon the lines of an English institution of like status.
“Good heavens!” she muttered, “what am I made of that I can look at this man, and speak to him, without denouncing him to his face, and tearing from him the pitiful mask of respectability he still makes a show of wearing? Had I dreamt of all this a year ago, I could not have believed myself strong enough to show self-control like this. Ah! here he comes. I hope it will be easy to cultivate just the necessary amount of acquaintanceship with him. It will make my task easier, perhaps.”
Shortly after this, Gregory Staines joined the individual who sauntered in the same direction, which chanced to be homewards for both of them, although the former little dreamed how closely his fate was linked with that of his companion. An earnest conversation now ensued, during which Mr. Staines was persuaded that certain words had been exchanged in the cardroom of the hotel, which promised anything but safety to him, in the event of his being caught out alone.
“And why should you interest yourself particularly in me?” he queried suspiciously, and received for answer, “Thereby hangs a tale, my dear sir. I have an idea that you are, like myself, not too squeamish about trifles. Pray excuse me if I am mistaken. Perhaps I am not such a good judge of character as I fancy myself.”