At the beginning of the evening, when play was low, he generally lost; but was certain to get back his losings, and sometimes a considerable sum over, as the stakes rose higher.

One of the lieutenants who was a chum of Lisle's was particularly unlucky.

He was of an excitable disposition, and played high as the evening went on.

Lisle noticed that he often paid in chits, instead of money.

This was not an unusual custom, as officers are often short of cash, and settle up when they receive their month's pay.