Frank had a reason, for now it would not be easy for him to lead his companions into believing he had drunk the same as the others. They did not know that he had not touched a drop, and he had accomplished his purpose in keeping close to Jack Diamond and watching Herrick. It was useless for Herrick to urge; Frank could not be moved. “That’s right, Merriwell!” exclaimed the Virginian. “You keep sober and let me do the drinking for both of us.” Madison, too, hastened to put away a bottle of wine, and the color began to come back to his face. “Didn’t know I had so little nerve,” he said. “Been cold ever since that chap pulled the gun and tried to blow the top of his head off.” “Oh, hang a welcher!” sneered Herrick. “His squealing made me sick! But it’s lucky Mr. Merriwell grabbed him just as he did. Canfield ought to thank him for that.” “I ask no thanks from Canfield,” said Frank coldly. “Don’t talk about it!” implored Madison. Herrick was cool, but it became plain that his declaration that he was hungry had not been true, for he ate only a few mouthfuls. Frank ate more, but Diamond seemed in a hurry to get back to the gaming-room. Madison was strangely troubled, sometimes flushing, only to pale again. “Curse it!” Madison finally cried. “Why did that fellow come down there and make a scene with his pistol!” “Forget it,” laughed Herrick. “That’s all right to say, but it isn’t easy to do. I’m a fool! I’ll be in the same way that chap is if I don’t look out!” “Nonsense! Luck was against you the last time, Billy, but you are almost always a winner.” “I believe my luck has turned. But I’m in the hole.” “Got to find your money where you lost it, my boy,” purred the tempter. “That’s right!” exclaimed Madison, rising. “Come on, gentlemen; let’s go out there and see if fortune will smile on us to-night.” They left the dining-room, returning to the apartment where quiet, well-dressed men were gambling. “What shall it be, jack?” asked Madison. “Will we go against the roulette wheel, or try faro a whirl? I leave it to you.” “I lost two thousand at the faro-table last night,” said the Virginian. “I am going back to the same table.” “I’m with you,” laughed Madison. Diamond seated himself at the table, feeling for his money. He did not find it at once, and he continued to search through other pockets. At length, he rose, saying: “I believe I have lost my money!” He was very quiet and cool about it. “What’s that?” asked Herrick, who had also taken a seat at the table. “How could you have lost it?” “I don’t know.” “You had it at the Hoffman House?” “Yes.” “He had it just outside the door here,” said Madison, “after he paid the cabman there.” “I did that from loose money in my trousers pocket,” said the Southerner. “I am not certain the rest of my money was with me then. But I remember putting it in my pocket at the hotel.” “My money is all right,” said Madison.