Boyd looked Malone-wards. Malone looked defeated.
Boyd turned with a small sigh and headed for the cashier's booth. Three minutes later, he was back with a fat fistful of chips.
"Five grand?" Malone whispered to him.
"Ten," Boyd said. "I know when to back a winner."
Her Majesty went over to the table. The dealer had regained control, but looked up at them with a puzzled stare.
"You know," the Queen said, with an obvious attempt to put the man at his ease, "I've always wanted to visit a gambling hall."
"Sure, lady," the dealer said. "Naturally."
"May I sit down?"
The dealer looked at the group. "How about your friends?" he said cautiously.
The Queen shook her head. "They would rather watch, I'm sure."