The Dummy began to gain slowly upon Ellis, playing very cautiously, betting only upon face cards, aces, and ten-spots.

Twice Ellis offered to sell him the bank, but he refused, fearful lest it should change his luck.
Vandover sat behind the Dummy's chair, watching his game, but at length, worn out, he began to drop off to sleep, waking every now and then with a sudden leap and recoil of all his nerves.

An hour later the persistent scratching of a match awoke him.

Ellis and the Dummy were still playing, and the Dummy was once more relighting the stump of his cigar.

Ellis continued to deal, winning at almost every play; a great pile of chips and money lay at his elbow.