suitable table, for the night being very
hot we were going to play on the stoep by the light of the
hanging paraffin lamp and some candles. I replied to the effect
that I could not afford to lose large sums of money, especially
to men who for aught I knew might then be engaged in marking the
cards.

"I understand," he answered. "Don't you bother about that, old
fellow. This is my affair, arranged for my special amusement. I
shan't grumble if the fun costs something, for I am sure there
will be fun."

"All right," I said, "only if we should happen to win money, it's
yours, not mine."

To myself I reflected, however, that with these two opponents we
had about as much chance of winning as a snowflake has of
resisting the atmosphere of the lower regions.

Presently they returned with the table, which had a green cloth
over it that hung down half-way to the ground. Also one of the
native boys brought a tray with spirits, from which I judged by
various signs, old Marnham, who had already drunk his share at
dinner, had helped himself freely on the way. Soon we were
arranged, Anscombe, who was to be my partner, opposite to me in
his long chair, and the game began.

I forget what particular variant of cards it was we played,
though I know it admitted of high and progressive stakes. At
first, however, these were quite moderate and we won, as I
suppose we were meant to do. After half an hour or so Marnham
rose to help himself to brandy and water, a great deal of brandy
and very little water, while I took a nip of Hollands, and
Anscombe and Rodd filled their pipes.

"I think this is getting rather slow," said Rodd to Anscombe. "I
vote we put a bit more on."

"As much as you like," answered Anscombe with a little drawl and
twinkle of the eye, which always showed that he was amused.
"Both Quatermain and I are born gamblers. Don't look angry,
Quatermain, you know you are. Only if we lose you will have to
take a cheque, for I have precious little cash."

"I think that will be good enough," replied the doctor
quietly--"if you lose."

So the stakes were increased to an amount that made my hair stand
up stiffer even than usual, and the game went on. Behold! a
marvel came to pass. How it happened I do not know, unless
Marnham had brought the wrong cards by mistake or had grown too
fuddled to understand his partner's telegraphic signals, which I,
being accustomed to observe, saw him make, not once but often,
st