All I knew was nothing was going to move me away from this place if I could help it.

Then Semyonov said: "Of course I would have to stay." We went for him then.

You should have heard Nikitin! I didn't believe that he had it in him.

Semyonov was quiet, of course, smiling that beastly smile of his.
Then at last he said: "Suppose we play for it ?" We agreed.

The one who turned up the Ace of Hearts was to stay.