"With your luck that would be more than a fault."
"I wanted a certain sum; I have won it, and that satisfies me."
"You will not be so foolish as to refuse the hand that Fortune holds out?"
"Are you sure she holds it out to me?" Saniel asked, finding that it was the prince.
"Do not doubt it. I will show you—"
"Thank you; but I never break a resolution."
In another moment Saniel would have turned his back on the man, but he was a witness whom it would be well to treat with caution.
"I have nothing more to do here," he said, politely. "Permit me to retire, after having thanked you for your offer, whose kindness I appreciate."
"Well," cried the prince, "since you will not risk your fate, let me do it for you. This money may be a fetich. Take off five louis, only five louis, and confide them to me. I will play them according to my combinations, which are certain, and this evening I will give you your part of the proceeds. Where are you staying? I live at the Villa des Palmes."
"Nowhere; I have just arrived."