The gambler's inclination was to oppose this summary dismissal, but a glance at his crowd convinced him he would have to play the hand alone, so he yielded reluctantly, swept the chips into the side pocket of his coat and departed, leaving behind a trail of profanity.

The Sergeant smiled, but remained motionless until they disappeared.
"The bluff works," he thought serenely, "unless they make a kick at the office; some peeved, Charlie was." He stepped over to the window, and held back the curtain.

A burly figure occupied the bench, with feet upon the rail.

Even in that outside dimness could be distinguished a black beard.

The very man, and the Sergeant chuckled grimly with a swiftly born hope that the fellow might create a row.