The Secret Agent

BOND FELT SOMETHING HARD
PRESS INTO HIS SPINE...

At the same time a thick voice said softly, urgently, just behind his right ear:

"This is a gun, Monsieur". It is silent. It can blow the base of your spine off without a sound. Withdraw your bet before I count to ten."

"Un."

Bond turned his head. There he was, leaning forward, smiling broadly under his black moustache as if he were wishing Bond luck.

"Deux."

Bond looked across. Le Chiffre was watching him. He was waiting, waiting for Bond's hand to gesture to the croupier, or else for Bond suddenly to slump backward in his chair...