f some sport, too," he added, glancing at
the card-players in the corner, where men were losing their winter's
wages.

"What will you take?" said Ranald, prompted by his Highland sense of
courtesy, "and would you have it in the next room?"

"Anywhere," said the lieutenant, with alacrity; "a little brandy and
soda for me; nothing else in these places is worth drinking."

Ranald gave the order, and with some degree of pride, noticed the
obsequious manner of the bar-tender toward him and his distinguished
guests. They passed into an inner and smaller room, lit by two or three
smoky lamps in brackets on the walls. In this room, sitting at one
of the tables, were two Frenchmen playing ecarte. As the lieutenant
entered, one of them glanced up and uttered an exclamation of
recognition.

"Ah, it is our warlike friend," cried De Lacy, recognizing him in
return; "you play this game also," he continued in French.

"Not moche," said LeNoir, for it was he, with a grand salute. "Will the
capitaine join, and his friends?"

Ranald shook his head and refused.

"Come along," said the lieutenant, eagerly, to Ranald. The game was his
passion. "Mr. Sims, you will; Harry, what do you say?"

"I will look on with Ranald."

"Oh, come in Macdonald," said the lieutenant, "the more the better, and
we'll make it poker. You know the game?" he said, turning to LeNoir;
"and your friend--I have not the pleasure--"

"Mr. Rouleau," said Ranald and LeNoir together, presenting the young
Frenchman who spoke and looked like a gentleman.

"Do you play the game?" said the lieutenant.

"A verie leetle, but I can learn him."

"That's right," cried the lieutenant, approvingly.

"What do you say, Ranald," said Harry, who also loved the game.

"No," said Ranald, shortly, "I never play for money."

"Make it pennies," said Mr. Sims, with a slight laugh.

"Go on, De Lacy," said Harry, angry at Mr. Sims's tone. "You've got
four--that'll do!"

"Oh, very well," said De Lacy, his easy, languid air returning to him.
"What shall it be--quarter chips with a dollar limit? Brandy and soda,
Mr. LeNoir? And you, Mr. Rouleau? Two more glasses, garcon," and the
game began.

From the outset Rouleau steadily won till his chips were piled high in
front of him.

"You play the game well," said the lieutenant. "Shall we raise the
limit?"

"As you lak," said Rouleau, with a polite bow.

"Let's make it five dollars," suggested Mr. Sims, to which all agreed.