one communicating to each other what both bitterly feel.

Fortunately, their surprise is not noted by the players around the
table. Each is engrossed in his own play, and gives but a glance at the
new-comers, whose naval uniforms are not the only ones there.

But there are two who take note of them in a more particular manner:
these, Faustino Calderon and Francisco de Lara. Calderon, looking along
the table--for he is on that same side--regards them with glances
furtive almost timid. Very different is the manner of De Lara. At
sight of Crozier he suspends the deal, his face suddenly turning pale,
while a spark of angry light flashes forth from his eyes. The
passionate display is to all appearance unobserved; or, if so,
attributed to some trifling cause, as annoyance at the game going
against him. It is almost instantly over; and the disturbed features of
the Monte dealer resume their habitual expression of stern placidity.

The English officers having recovered from their first shock of
astonishment, also find restored to them the faculty of speech; and now
exchange thoughts, though not about that which so disturbs them. By a
sort of tacit understanding it is left to another time, Crozier only
saying--

"We'll talk of it when we get aboard ship. That's the place for sailors
to take counsel together, with a clear head, such as we will want. At
this precious minute, I feel like a fish out of water."

"By Jove! so do I."

"The thing we're both thinking of has raised the devil in me. But let
us not bother about it now. I've got something else in my mind. I'm
half-mad, and intend _fighting the tiger_."

"Fighting the tiger! What do you mean by that, Ned? I don't quite
comprehend."

"You soon will. If you wish it, I'll give you a little preliminary
explanation."

"Yes, do. Perhaps I can assist you."

"No, you can't. There's only one who can."

"Who is he?"

"It is not a he, but a she: the Goddess of Fortune. I intend soliciting
her favours; if she but grant them, I'll smash Mr De Lara's Monte
bank."

"Impossible! There's no probability of your being able to do that."

"Not much probability, I admit. Still there's a possibility. I've seen
such a thing done before now. Bold play and big luck combined will do
it. I'm in for the first; whether I have the last, remains to be seen.
In any case, I'll either break the bank, or lose all I've got on me--
which by chance is a pretty big stake to