"But why?" demanded the Countess, looking puzzled.
"Gambling does not fit in with my idea of honesty," replied Dalzell quite bluntly.
CHAPTER VI
DAVE RUNS INTO A REAL THRILL
"I do not understand," murmured the Countess.
"I know that the European idea of gambling is very different from that entertained by most people in my country," Dan went on pleasantly. "To the greater number of Americans, gambling is a method of getting other people's money away from them without working for it."
"And that is why you term it dishonest?" asked the Countess.
"Yes," replied Dan frankly. "And, in addition, it is a wicked waste of time that could be put to so many good uses."
Countess Ripoli shrugged her fine shoulders, and looked up once more at the young officer. But Dan was smiling back coolly at her.