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Volume I Volume II

The Gaming Table by Andrew Steinmetz

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GAMBLING AMONG THE ANCIENT HINDOOS.--A HINDOO LEGEND AND ITS MODERN PARALLEL

CHAPTER II. page 13

`These are harsh words, sir,' replied the knight calmly; `but
let them pass. We will play first, and fight afterwards. But
you refuse my challenge?'

`It is false!' replied Disbrowe, fiercely, `I accept it.' And
producing a key, he threw it on the table. `My life is, in
truth, set on the die,' he added, with a desperate look; `for if
I lose, I will not survive my shame.'

`You will not forget our terms,' observed Parravicin. `I am to
be your representative to-night. You can return home to-morrow.'

`Throw, sir,--throw,' cried the young man, fiercely.

`Pardon me,' replied the knight; `the first cast is with you. A
single main decides it.'

`Be it so,' returned Disbrowe, seizing the bow. And as he shook
the dice with a frenzied air, the bystanders drew near the table
to watch the result.

`Twelve!' cried Disbrowe, as he removed the box. `My honour is
saved! My fortune retrieved--Huzza!'

`Not so fast,' returned Parravicin, shaking the box in his turn.
`You were a little hasty,' he added, uncovering the dice. `I
am twelve too. We must throw again.'

`This is to decide,' cried the young officer, rattling the
dice,--`Six!'

Parravicin smiled, took the box, and threw _TEN_.

`Perdition!' ejaculated Disbrowe, striking his brow with his
clenched hand. `What devil tempted me to my undoing? . . . My
wife trusted to this profligate! . . . Horror! It must not be!'

`It is too late to retract,' replied Parravicin, taking up the
key, and turning with a triumphant look to his friends.

Disbrowe noticed the smile, and, stung beyond endurance, drew his
sword, and called to the knight to defend himself. In an instant
passes were exchanged. But the conflict was brief. Fortune, as
before, declared herself in favour of Parravicin. He disarmed
his assailant, who rushed out of the room, uttering the wildest
ejaculations of rage and despair.

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