Page:An African Millionaire.djvu/271

258 to suit wise men. Sooner or later you must lose at such a stupid fancy.'

The poet continued. 'For Freedom's bride to all ensuing time.'

'Stake!' Charles cried sharply. We each of us staked.

'Ensuing,' the poet murmured. 'To all ensuing time. First-rate epithet that. I go ten thousand, Sir Charles, on ensuing.'

We all turned up. Some of us lost, some won; but the poet had secured his two thousand sterling.

'I haven't that amount about me,' Charles said, in that austerely nettled voice which he always assumes when he loses at cards; 'but—I'll settle it with you to-morrow.'

'Another round?' the host asked, beaming.

'No, thank you,' Charles answered; 'Mr. Coleyard's inspirations come too pat for my taste. His luck beats mine. I retire from the game, Senator.'

Just at that moment a servant entered, bearing a salver, with a small note in an envelope. 'For Mr. Coleyard,' he observed; 'and the messenger said, urgent.'

Coleyard tore it open hurriedly. I could see he was agitated. His face grew white at once.

'I—I beg your pardon,' he said. 'I—I must go back instantly. My wife is dangerously ill—quite a sudden attack. Forgive me, Senator. Sir Charles, you shall have your revenge to-morrow.'