Some wild fancy told him that he could win money enough in Vera Cruz to pay his debts at home.

He secured leave and went ashore.

In a gaming house there he lost all his money, but still fought on against the game when he found that his signature would be accepted.

He plunged heavily, soon rising from the table owing thirty thousand dollars to the house.

Then Cosetta, who was a silent partner of the house, noting the lieutenant's despair, led him aside and cunningly informed him that he could have all his notes back if he could only secure the authoritative plans of the American landing.