h a system of play," cried
Pembroke. "Tell us, Mr. Law, what and where shall we send thee when we
have won thy last sixpence?"

"Good sir," said Law, "let us first of all have the joint."

"I humbly crave a pardon, sir," said Pembroke. "In this new sort of
discourse I had forgot thine appetite. We shall mend that at once. Here,
Simon! Go fetch up Mr. Law's brother, who waits below, and fetch two
covers and a bit to eat. Some of thy new Java berry, too, and make
haste! We have much yet to do."

"That have ye, if ye are to see the bottom of my purse more than once,"
said Law gaily. "See! 'tis quite empty now. I make ye all my solemn
promise that 'twill not be empty again for twenty years. After
that--well, the old Highland soothsayer, who dreamed for me, always told
me to forswear play after I was forty, and never to go too near running
water. Of the latter I was born with a horror. For play, I was born with
a gift. Thus I foresee that this little feat which you mention is sure
to be mine this very night. You all say that _trente_ has not come up
for many months. Well, 'tis due, and due to-night. The cards never fail
me when I need."

"By my faith," cried Wilson, "ye have a pretty way about you up in
Scotland!"

John Law saw the veiled ill feeling, and replied at once:

"True, we have a pretty way. We had it at Killiecrankie not so long ago;
and when the clans fight among themselves, we need still prettier ways."

"Now, gentlemen," said Pembroke, "none of this talk, by your leave. The
odds are fairer here than they were at Killiecrankie's battle, and 'tis
all of us against the Scotch again. We English stand together, but we
stand to-night only against this threat of the ultimate fortune of the
cards. Moreover, here comes the supper, and if I mistake not, also the
brother of our friend."

Will bowed to one and the other gentlemen, unconsciously drifting toward
his brother's chair.

"Now we must to business," cried Castleton, as the dishes were at last
cleared away. "Show him thy talisman, Pem, and let him kiss his jewel
good by."

Pembroke threw upon the table once more the moccasin of the Indian girl.
John Law picked it up and examined it long and curiously, asking again
and again searching questions regarding its origin.

"I have read of this new land of America," said he. "Some day it will be
more prominent in all plans."

He laid down the slipper and mused for a moment, apparently forgetful of
the scene