Godard had made no further remarks, but sat staring oddly at Kendall, who now appeared to ignore him.
The humpback had resumed his position at the end of the table, with his legs curled under him in his chair, with his ungainly head drawn down between his shoulders, and his attention directed upon the movements of the dealer, who had thrust the cards into the box and was about to start a new deal.
Just then, however, Moses Flood approached him from behind and detained him with a significant touch on the shoulder.
Bruce did not commence to deal.
“How are they coming, Kendall?” Flood quietly asked, with a glance at the former’s chips.
“Rocky,” said Kendall, with a sickly smile.
“That so?”
“Win these, Mose, and you have my pile. I shall be down and out, in more senses than one.”
Flood knew too well what he meant, yet his countenance did not change by so much as a shadow. He addressed the dealer, saying gravely:
“Go and get your supper, Tom, and I will deal while you are out,” said he. “I shall wish to be away for an hour or two after you return.”