But before he had thought of anything, Dolokhov, looking straight in his face, said slowly and deliberately so that everyone could hear: "Do you remember we had a talk about cards... 'He's a fool who trusts to luck, one should make certain,' and I want to try.

" "To try his luck or the certainty?" Rostov asked himself.

"Well, you'd better not play," Dolokhov added, and springing a new pack of cards said: "Bank, gentlemen!" Moving the money forward he prepared to deal.

Rostov sat down by his side and at first did not play.

Dolokhov kept glancing at him.