[CHAPTER VIII.]
SECRET GAMBLING-HOUSES.
Greeks, both as dupers and duped—Andréas Tête d'Or—Secret inquiry—The human ostrich—The society of philosophers—Chaffard the bravo—Exploit of Tête d'Or—A Greek thrown out of window—Mystification.
When Raymond entered the prison of "Sainte Pélagie" he was an isolated being in Paris. On his exit it was different; Andréas had friends who also became the friends of Raymond, and in many of the houses in which he was received, he met with a most cordial welcome.
They soon treated him as a brother, using the friendly "thou" in addressing him, and even gave him the soubriquet of "The Marquis," from his fashionable appearance. Andréas was named Tête d'Or, or "Golden Head," in consequence of his fertile and inventive imagination.
Raymond was not long in discovering, that the society he now frequented, was composed of Chevaliers d'Industrie, and that the houses where he had been so well received, were nothing more than gambling-houses, where those who were imprudent enough to enter, were soon fleeced of their money.
As Raymond was very expert at tricks of cards, they gave him, every now and then, certain tricks to execute; and in every instance he performed his rôle with as much adroitness as tact.
In these houses, the trial of skill was marvellous, and it was not uncommon, to see as many dupers as duped at each table.
The tables and play were kept up by a sort of partnership; that is to say, every Greek paid his share towards the general fund.
At the end of the evening, after all the dupes had departed, the Greeks placed what they had gained on a table, and shared it equally.
Although wolves do not prey upon each other, thieves not unfrequently do: that is certain.