Sit in and take a hand." Still he refused, and they finally found it useless to urge him, so the game was begun without him, and he looked on.
The limit was set at ten cents, and it was to be a regular penny ante game.
There was some hesitation over the limit, which Bart named, winking meaningly at one or two of the fellows who seemingly started to protest.
Surely there could not be much harm in such a light game! No one could lose a great deal.
The first deal fell to Bart, and he shuffled the cards and tossed them round in a way that betokened considerable dexterity and practice.
The boys were inclined to be jolly, but they were forced to restrain their feelings as far as possible, for, although the rooms near them were unoccupied, there was danger that they might be heard by some one who would investigate, and their sentinel might not be able to give the warning in time.
As Frank Merriwell watched the game, a peculiar light stole into his eyes, and he was swayed by ill-repressed excitement.

He was tempted to get up and go away for all that anybody might say, but he did not go; he lingered, and he was overcome by an irresistible longing--a desire he could not govern.

Finally, he exclaimed: "What's the use for me to sit humped up here! Give me a hand, and let me in.".