He had experienced a wonderful turn of luck.
CHAPTER VI.
A STARTLING SEQUENCE.
As the deal ended, a deep sigh of relief rose from the several players at the table, as from men long submerged in water. Their suppressed excitement had been intense, fairly painful at times, and this halt between the deals was a welcome respite.
Except Moses Flood and the deformed cuekeeper, only one man in the room saw what Moses Flood was doing. Before the deal was half out, Nick Carter detected the gamester’s design, as well as the marvelous dexterity with which it was executed. And Nick readily guessed, too, the true occasion for it. Once more he leaned nearer to Chick and said softly:
“Do you see what Flood is doing?”
“I see that Kendall is winning,” whispered Chick.
“Like a race-horse. You are witnessing a bit of unselfish work that places Flood in a class all his own,” murmured Nick, with some feeling.
“What do you mean?”
“He is dealing so as to insure himself a loser, and forcing Kendall to win.”
“The deuce you say!”