Page:The Naval Officer (1829), vol. 3.djvu/230

 been turned up; and seven times had my gold been doubled. Talbot, who stood behind, me, implored and begged me earnestly to leave off.

"What may be the consequence of one card against you? 'Trust no more to fortune; be content with what you have got."

"That," muttered I, "Talbot, is of no use; I must have more."

Again came up the red, to the astonishwent of the bystanders; and to their still greater astonishment, my gold, which had increased to an enormous heap, still remained on the table. Talbot again entreated me not to tempt fortune foolishly.

"Folly," said I, "Talbot, has already been committed; and one more card will do the business. It must be done."

The bankers knowing, after eight red cards had been turned up, how great the chance was of regaining all their losses by a double or quits,