A GAMBLING TRICK DETECTED. 170 



"Vernon, play de very devil wid me de other night. Such hick 

 I never see — lie win every game, and clear my pocket so " — 

 showing its empty inside. 



"Most likely, Count. He is what we call a sharp, keen 

 hand, and up to a trick or two." 



" So I tink too, milor ; but I could not see how de trick 

 was done, which I would give a tousand francs to know." 



" "Well, Count, I do not want your money ; and, as I con- 

 sider such tricks downright robbery, I will put you up to them,, 

 provided you give me your word of honour never to xteiition 

 my name." 



"My goot Lord, I would not mention your name for de 

 million francs." 



Lord Vancourt then told him his suspicions that Vernon 

 carried loaded dice in his sleeve, which, by a sleight of hand, 

 were substituted for those on the board ; and these, if marked 

 before they began playing, would, of course, prove the fact." 



" Ah ! milor, I am so much oblige for de hint." 



And he soon after took his leave. 



Lord Vancourt, having put things in a train for the destruc- 

 tion, as he hoped, of his former ally, absented himself from the 

 gaming-table, lest lie might act as a counterpoise to the exposure, 

 well knowing Vernon's suspicious and subtle disposition. 



And a few nights after, being now sorely pressed for oai 



Vernon, in playing with a friend of Count B 's, again had 



recourse to his tricks, and was winning largely, when Count 



B entered the room. Hearing his friend's exclamations of 



surprise at Vernon's continual success, the Count watched him 

 very intently ; and discovering an unusual motion sometimes in 

 his right hand before shaking the dice-box, he walked quickl}' 

 round the table ; and seizing Vernon's arm, suddenly tore u] > 

 his sleeve, when four dice, instead of two, appeared on the board. 

 In a moment, all gathered round the detected man ; the Count, 

 livid with passion, abusing him in broken English and Germ; 

 swearing he would have instant satisfaction for the loss of hi? 

 money. 



Vernon was so thunderstruck at the sudden discovery of 

 his villany, that he sat as one entranced for a moment, until! 

 roused by the insults and abuses poured upon his head, wJieiu li<2> 

 rose, and confronting the Count, accepted his challenge, and 

 offered to fight any other man in the room who might feel 

 himself aggrieved. 



" Von at a time, sar," replied the Count. " I have de first 



l 2 



