149 

cut, lie had Crankey for a partner, and their opponents were Wright- 
man and Foxglove, who really were very quiet gentlemanly men. 

By the desperate character of his play, it very soon became manifest 
that Crankey^s whole  was in arms, and he devoted so much attention 
to the noise which proceeded from the speculation table applying al- 
most every observation to himself  that in playing the very first hand 
he revoked. The fact was duly noticed by Mr. Foxglove, who at once 
enforced the penalty. 

*' Then you mean to play the itriet game V said Grankey, with much 
. 

*' Of course, my dear Sir, we play the game I* 

^' Very well. As you please. It makes no odds to me : not a bit," 
said Mr. Grankey, shuffling the cards with unequivocal desperation. 
" Now Sir ! Its my deal.*' 

" Oh, he can't play !" whispered Valentine, throwing his voice be- 
hind Mr. Grankey as he dealt. Mr. Grankey looked round, and albeit 
he simply said, ^* Can't he 1" the consequence was a misdeal. 

*'*' Who the devil can deal cards or play, or do anything with such 
interruptions as these !** exclaimed Grankey. 

'