But still the game was Rouleau's, who grew more and more excited with
every win. The lieutenant played coolly, and with seeming indifference,
in which he was imitated by Mr. Sims, the loss of a few dollars being a
matter of small moment to either.

"It would make it more interesting if we made it a dollar to play," at
length said Mr. Sims. The suggestion was accepted, and the game went
on. At once the luck began to turn, and in a half hour's play Rouleau's
winnings disappeared and passed over to the lieutenant's hand. In
spite of his bad luck, however, Rouleau continued to bet eagerly and
recklessly, until Ranald, who hated to see the young lumberman losing
his season's wages, suggested that the game come to an end.

"The night is early," said the lieutenant, "but if you have had enough,"
he said, bowing to LeNoir and Rouleau.

"Non!" exclaimed Rouleau, "the fortune will to me encore. We mak it de
two-dollar to play. Dat will brak de luck."

"I think you ought to stop it," said Harry.

But the demon of play had taken full possession of both Rouleau and the
lieutenant and they were not to be denied. Rouleau took from his pocket
a roll of bills and counted them.

"Fifty dollars," he cried. "Bon! I play him, me!"

The others deposited a like sum before them, and the game proceeded.
The deal was De Lacy's. After a few moment's consideration, Mr. Sims and
LeNoir each drew three cards. In a tone of triumph which he could not
altogether suppress, Rouleau exclaimed "Dees are good enough for me."
The lieutenant drew one card, and the betting began.

Twice Rouleau, when it came to his turn, bet the limit, the others
contenting themselves by "raising" one dollar. On the third round
LeNoir, remarking, "Das leetle too queek for me," dropped out.

Once more Rouleau raised the bet to the limit, when Mr. Sims refused,
and left the game to him and the lieutenant. There was no mistaking
the eager triumph in the Frenchman's pale face. He began to bet more
cautiously, his only fear being that his opponent would "call" too
soon. Dollar by dollar the bet was raised till at last Rouleau joyously
gathered his last chips, raised the bet once more by the limit,
exclaiming, as he did so, "Alas! dere ees no more!"

He had played his season's wages that night, but now he would recover
all.

De Lacy, whose coolness was undisturbed, though his face showed signs of
his many brandy-and-sodas, covered the bet.

"Hola!" exclaimed Rouleau i