Was there no _gentleman_ in the crowd who would lay a wager of wine for the company on this interesting little trick?
It was strange to him that no gentleman had spirit enough to make the bet.

But no gentleman had spirit enough to bet the wine.
Evidently there were no gentlemen in the company.
However, the near-sighted man with the white hat adorned with crape now proposed in a crusty tone to bet ten dollars that he could lift the ace.
He even took out a ten-dollar bill, and, after examining it, in holding it close to his nose as a penurious man might, extended his hand with, "If you're in earnest, let's know it.

I'll bet you ten." At this Parkins grew furious.

He had never been so persistently badgered in all his life.

He'd have the gentleman know that he was not a gambler.
He had all the money he wanted, and as for betting ten dollars, he shouldn't think of it.