As he spoke, he struck the table violently. “I tell you I did win the game—the money is mine.” “Lay a hand on that gold, and I’ll knock you down, you cheating old scamp!” said Alick, in a terrible rage. “The money is mine.” “It is not. I’ll leave it to any gentleman in the room.” “Alick won it fairly,” said a chorus of voices. “No, old Gingles is entitled to the money. He could beat Alick all night.” “Could he?” “Yes, he could,” said several, “and I don’t mind wagering a hundred guineas on another game.” “So would I.” “And I.” “Well, then, gentlemen, since there is a dispute about the game, I am willing that we increase the stakes fourfold, and play it again.” “Hear, hear,” cried several voices. “I don’t mind,” said old Gingles; “but not till I’ve had some supper, and a walk in the cool air, to freshen me up a bit.” “Well, then, it’s decided—put down your money. Gentlemen, in half an hour the game begins again.” “Agreed, agreed!” shouted every one. The money was put down for the contested game of cards, and great enthusiasm prevailed amongst the audience, all of whom seemed to have plenty of money. Captain Jack was pleased that old Gingles did not win the last stake, and mixed among the company, who were almost unanimous in their opinion that Alick would be sure to play “his very best,” and win, “for,” said several, “of all men on earth he hates most, it is old Gingles.” “I am sure to win,” said Alick, triumphantly, “and will lay two to one on it.” “Hear, hear!” “So will I.” “And I.” “And so will I,” said Captain Jack, whose brain now began to get muddled with wine and excitement. “Where’s your money?” “Oh, I shall have some presently,” said Jack, “as much as any one in the room.” At that moment he saw old Gingles leave the room. He followed him. In a few moments he overtook the old man, and presented Redgill’s note. “In difficulties, eh?” said the old man, eyeing Captain Jack like a hawk; “but he has not stated the amount he wants.” “Oh! he left that to me.” “Indeed! can I trust to your honesty?” “Oh! honour bright!” “Then who are you?” “Well, they call me Captain Jack, and I am one of the Crown officers.” “Oh! yes; I think I have heard your name mentioned before in very flattering terms in your endeavours to suppress or destroy the famous Skeleton Crew.” “Exactly,” said Captain Jack, bowing in mock humility. “And what is the sum you need, my noble captain?” “Well, I think £1,500 will get him out of trouble.” “Quite a modest sum, certainly.” “But, then, you know, Mr. Gingles, you are very rich, and there are a great number of persons to be paid out of it.” “I see, I see; but how much do you intend to keep for yourself?” asked the old man, fumbling in his pockets. “Me! my dear sir? I do not intend to keep a farthing. It is out of pure friendship for the poor young man that I do this.”