The story traces the consequences of a bet made fifteen years ago at a party that has robbed a lawyer of years of his life, and almost cost the banker two million rubles.
"The Bet" traces the actions of the lawyer during his captivity, from reading and drinking copiously, to putting his new-found knowledge to the test. For the most part, the lawyer lives a quiet and isolated life in the banker's captivity.
Ultimately, the lawyer escapes, five hours before his time is up in order to prove a point- once again, he sacrifices something for his ideals. The banker secretly rejoices in this turn of events, as he is freed from paying the two million, which would have ruined him financially.
