“And, Rapparee, I want you,” exclaimed Biscoe. “We must show these English boys how we play at Stephen’s Green,” and a fire-eating pronounced Hibernian took post alongside his compatriot.
For a considerable time the luck appeared to fluctuate, and if hundreds were passed across the table on one game, they returned more or less intact at the subsequent encounter. Play was now in real earnest, and stakes were hazarded that were simply appalling. Biscoe, too, appeared to be in for a run of luck, and the excited whisperings between him and the Rapparee left little room for doubt that he contemplated a retreat on the first defeat.
His winnings, indeed, were considerable, and a smile pervaded his hitherto scowling face as he contemplated the Monday’s settling with equanimity. Again the bank was declared, and a pile of notes larger than any of its predecessors lumbered each side of the table; eyes, apparently, had no other vocation than to watch their respective champion’s hands; the ticking of the clock on the mantelpiece became a nuisance, and the grasshopper literally became a burden; the silence of the Catacombs pervaded the entire assembly, when a voice, shrill and excited, was heard: “Do that again, Mr. Biscoe, and I’ll expose you.”
It was the Colonel, who leaning across the table bore down Biscoe’s hands with a strong right arm as he was in the act of shuffling.
“What am I to understand by this?” inquired Biscoe looking towards the Rapparee. “If it’s by way of an insult you’ve met the right boy to resent it. Hands off, sir!” he shouted, as shaking off the Colonel’s hand, he hurled the pack of cards in his face.
“Hold, hold, gentlemen, for God’s sake,” implored De Hoghton, as a dozen men interposed between the belligerents. “Some explanation is surely forthcoming that may avoid a scandal. Colonel, tell those gentlemen what you saw, and let them decide on the merits before it gets into the papers.”
“What I saw I am prepared to prove,” replied the Colonel, excitedly; “but even that sinks into insignificance, as far as I am personally concerned, in face of the man’s assault. Meanwhile, pick up these cards, count them carefully, and if you don’t find five kings in the pack I’ll apologise to Mr. Biscoe, and take his assault like a coward.”
And then a scramble on the floor began, which was followed by breathless silence.
“Count them, please,” requested the Colonel, and sure enough 33 was the result.
“Now turn the faces towards you, sir,” continued the Colonel; “and extract the kings.” And lo! before a dumbfounded crowd, two kings of hearts were displayed.