“Absolutely foolproof,” Mart said. “The emergence of a ball from the cone is governed absolutely and completely by random chance.”
The man peered closer at the balls which had resumed their dancing on the diaphragm. “Is that so? What keeps them bouncing up and down?”
“A small motor actuates the rubber diaphragm. The balls are matched in weight to a thousandth of a milligram and their balance exceeds that of the finest ball bearing.”
“Is that so? You’re sure the game isn’t fixed, now?”
“Positive,” said Mart.
“Think I’ll try it. Where do I buy some chips?”
“Just take a seat anywhere you like. One of the girls will provide you with a betting sheet and you stamp your selection for the following game with the device provided on the arm of the chair. The attendant will show you how. The play is continuous.”
“Thanks, mister. Two dollar bet high enough to start?”
“You may start as low as a dollar if you like.”
“Look, mister, I want my games to be honest, but I want you to know I’m no small timer. Nothing smaller than two dollars for Paul Gentry. But you’re sure this game’s not fixed —”