During that ride, between the fragments of conversation, Lawless decided that on some such expedition as the present he would lead Van Bleit to a given place, and, with Tottie's assistance, overpower him and get hold of what he wanted. In view of the shortness of the time in which to carry out his designs, it was necessary to put his plans into prompt effect. He determined upon seeing Tottie that night. He would slip out when the others were asleep and make his way to the hut. Then, if he could induce Van Bleit to fall in with his arrangements in the morning, success would be fairly assured. His policy in the meantime was to allay Van Bleit's suspicions. In this he had succeeded fairly well so far. On the homeward journey Van Bleit rode most of the way with his right hand on his thigh; and once, Lawless noticed, when he plunged his own right hand into his pocket his companion did not appear in the least apprehensive. However much he doubted him, it was plain he had given up all thought of treachery on that occasion. "I suggest we stick indoors and play cards this afternoon," Van Bleit proposed when they got back. He swung his heavy frame out of the saddle. "It's warm," he said. Van Bleit was lucky at cards. He played for high stakes; it was one of his varied methods of obtaining a livelihood. Certainly that afternoon he became no poorer. He and Denzil between them swept in the stakes. "We'll give you your revenge," he said to Lawless. And after supper they resumed their game and played far into the night. It was Lawless who eventually insisted on leaving off. He had been chafing for some time, thinking of his thwarted plans. Van Bleit, he knew, was likely enough to play through into the dawn. He pushed back his chair at last and rose. "If you fellows don't want any sleep," he said, "I do. We've another day before us." Van Bleit laughed, rose, and stretched himself with a huge yawn. "Late, is it? I never regard the time I spend over cards--or women," he said. He finished his glass of whisky and scooped in his gains. "To-morrow I'll give you a chance of winning some of this back." Lawless lighted the candles. "Right!" he said. "I have a feeling that the luck is on the turn." "Then you ought to play on... She's a fickle jade, and will change her mind in the daylight." "I'll risk that. A man can't be expected to play cards if he's dead asleep."