In some stress of nerves he had sent for Mr.
Harley to urge expedition or ask for explanations.

The thing had chanced before.

Mr.Harley would cool him into calmness with a dozen words.
Storri's poise restored, Mr.Harley would seek those speculative statesmen, lusting for draw-poker.

He should be with them by ten o'clock--a ripe hour for cards.

Mr.Harley would oppose poker in its usual form and argue for table-stakes--five thousand dollars a corner.
Two of the speculative statesmen were not worth five thousand dollars.
So much the better; in case he were fortunate, Mr.Harley would accept their paper.