The two young men each took a dicebox, and their companions drew near to watch the game. The valet brought the lantern nearer, while Monclair lay on his stomach and did not stir.
"Begin!" said Léodgard in a gloomy voice, handing the dice to his adversary.
"As you please," said Sénange; and placing the dice in the box, he threw them on Monclair's back.
"Four!" cried Beausseilly and La Valteline.
"Four!" echoed Léodgard, with a smile of satisfaction.
"What a beastly throw!" muttered Sénange; "I fancy that I may say good-bye to my fifty livres.—Go on, count—play!"
Léodgard took the dice and threw them with a trembling hand.
"Three!" cried Sénange. "Pardieu! but I am in luck! Your cloak belongs to me, Léodgard!"
The young Comte de Marvejols dropped his head on his breast, while the other gentlemen held their peace and seemed distressed by the ill fortune which pursued Léodgard.
At that moment a distant, indistinct noise reached the ears of the young men.