tle of the money that I see
here; which, I take it, is subject to the fortunes of war."

He tossed on the board a ring, which carried in its setting a diamond of
size and brilliance.

"This fellow hath a cool assurance enough," muttered Beau Wilson to his
neighbor as he leaned toward him at the table.

Pembroke, always good-natured, laughed at the effrontery of the
newcomer.

"You say very well; it is there for the fortune of war," said he. "It is
all yours, if you can win it; but I warn you, beware, for I shall have
your jewel and your letters of credit too, if ye keep not sharp watch."

"Yes," said Castleton, "Pembroke hath warrant for such speech. The man
who can make _sept et le va_ thrice in one evening is hard company for
his friends."

John Law leaned back comfortably in his chair.

"I make no doubt," said he, "that I shall make _trente et le va_, here
at this table, this very evening."

Smiles and good-natured sneerings met this calm speech.

"_Trente et le va_--it hath not come out in the history of London play
for the past four seasons!" cried Wilson. "I'll lay you any odds that
you're not within eye-sight of _trente et le va_ these next five
evenings, if you favor us with your company."

"Be easy with me, good friends," said John. Law, calmly. "I am not yet
in condition for individual wagers, as my jewel is my fortune, till
to-morrow at least. But if ye choose to make the play at Lands-knecht, I
will plunge at the bank to the best of my capital. Then, if I win, I
shall be blithe to lay ye what ye like."

The young Englishmen sat looking at their guest with some curiosity. His
strange assurance daunted them.

"Surely this is a week of wonders," said Beau Wilson, with scarce
covered sarcasm in his tone. "First we have a wild man from Canada, with
his fairy stories of gold and gems, and now we have another gentleman
who apparently hath fathomed as well how to gain sudden wealth at will,
and yet keep closer home."

Law took snuff calmly. "I am not romancing, gentlemen," said he. "With
me play is not a hazard, but a science. I ought really not to lay on
even terms with you. As I have said, there is no such thing as chance.
There are such things as recurrences, such things as laws that govern
all happenings."

Laughter arose again at this, though it did not disturb the newcomer,
nor did the cries of derision which followed his announcement of his
system.

"Many a man hath come to London town wit