Haldane drew an envelope from his breast-pocket, and laid it on the table, saying with a reckless laugh: "Well, well, as you say, there is no great harm in borrowing a little of this money, and returning it again before the evening is over. The only question is how to open this package, for if torn it may require explanations that I do not care to make."
"We can easily manage that," laughed Ketchem; "put the package in your pocket a few moments," and he rang the bell.
To the boy who appeared he said, "Bring us three hot whiskey punches--hot, remember; steaming hot."
He soon reappeared with the punch, and the door was locked again.
"Hold your package over the steam of your punch, and the gum will dissolve so that you can open and close it in a way that will defy detection."
The suggestion was speedily carried out.
"Now," continued Mr. Ketchem, "the punch having already served so excellent a turn, we will finish it by drinking to your good luck."
Haldane won the first two games. This success, together with the liquor, which was strong, almost wholly dethroned his reason, and in his mad, drunken excitement he began to stake large sums. The eyes of his companions grew more wolfish than ever, and, after a significant flash toward each other, the gamblers turned fortune against their victim finally. The brandy was now placed within his reach, and under its influence Haldane threw down money at random. The first package was soon emptied. He snatched the other from his pocket and tore it open, but before its contents had likewise disappeared his head drooped upon his breast, and he became insensible.
They watched him a moment, smiled grimly at each other, drew a long breath of relief, and, rising, stretched themselves like men who had been under a strain that had taxed them severely.
"Half an hour yet," said Mr. Van Wink; "wish the time was up."
"This is a heavy swag if we get off safely with it. I say, Haldane, wake up."
But Haldane was sunk in the deepest stupor.
"I guess it's safe enough," said Van Wink, answering Ketchem's questioning eyes.
The latter thereupon completely emptied the remaining package of money, and replaced the two empty envelopes in Haldane's breast-pocket, and buttoned up his coat.
With mutual glances of exultation at the largeness of the sum, they swiftly divided the spoil between them. It was agreed that after leaving the hotel they should separate, that one should go to Boston, the other to Baltimore, and that they should return to their old haunts in New York after the interest caused by the affair had died out. Then, lighting cigars, they coolly sat down to wait for the train, having first opened a window and placed Haldane where the fresh air would blow upon him.