To me they are much more.

They are my opportunities of retrieving it." He looked about the room, separated three of the feathers, pushed them forward a little on the tablecloth, and then leaned across toward Sutch.
"What if I could compel Trench, Castleton, and Willoughby to take back from me, each in his turn, the feather he sent?
I do not say that it is likely.

I do not say even that it is possible.

But there is a chance that it may be possible, and I must wait upon that chance.

There will be few men leading active lives as these three do who will not at some moment stand in great peril and great need.