I saw the look of triumph in DeNortier's eyes, plainly he thought that he had won; and there as I stood with the box in my hand, I sent up one fervent prayer to whatever gods there be, to fight for me in that hour, and guide the dice aright. Raising my hand I tossed, and they rolled down upon the table and over to the further side. I bent over them with eyes that feared to behold the result, and I could hear the quick, deep breathing of Oliver Gates behind me, as with beating heart he awaited to hear his fate. The two seamen were bending over the table with eager faces. I straightened myself up--five and four. "The day is mine, Count," I said triumphantly. "Yes," he answered, "thou hast it; the fates are propitious. Beware! they will not be ever at thy side;" and turning from me he passed out of the room. The men followed, leaving me alone with Oliver. "Thy life is safe," I said to him, "and thou shalt be my page. Wilt enter my service?" "Who art thou?" he asked. "It seems as if I had seen thy face before, yet I know not where." "Sir Thomas Winchester, of London," I answered. "I recognize thy face now," he said. "Oft have I seen thee in London, but thou art changed," and he hesitated. "Say that I have grown older," I replied. "Nay, do not deny it. I know that I have grown older, and that the gray is beginning to fleck my hair; hadst thou been through what I have the last six months, thy hair would be gray too." "What doest thou here?" he asked, his eyes fixed still upon my face. "Thou hast not joined these ruffians, and become one of them?" "The saints forbid!" I answered quickly. "I am a captive here even as thou art." And then I related in a few words all I wished him to know of my kidnaping and detention upon the island. He listened intently, a look of wonder upon his face. "And why does my Lord Dunraven hound thee thus?" he cried. "What motive has he, that he should detain thee here?" "Lad," I answered, a bitter smile upon my face, "thou art young yet, and hast much to learn; when thou growest older thou wilt know what a man will do for the love of a maid. Dost know the Lady Margaret Carroll?" "Aye," he answered, "the loveliest lady in England; as well ask me if I know my master." "Then," I answered, "is there need to look further than the lady for a cause?" A look of understanding came into his face. "I see," he said, "and wonder no longer. A lady so fair would tempt a man to risk his soul, could he but win her." "But thou hast not answered my question; wilt be my man and enter my service? I have need of such a one here, and when I come to my own again, thou shalt not regret it." "Yes," he answered, a look frank and true upon his open face. "I owe my life to thee. I am thy man, for better or for worse, and here is my hand on it," and he stretched out his hand to me.