"I have good luck as a rule," said Jack; "I will play for you."
"There is no reason, sir, why you should play for me."
The detective was more and more perplexed. He had been led to believe that the baron was a cold-blooded fraud, and yet here he was displaying the qualities of a proud and honorable man, with a high sense of honor.
The detective played on and luck turned in his favor. He won a little money. The baron had gotten up from the table, but stood over our hero's chair and occasionally a word would pass between the two young men. Jack admitted that he was mystified—all at sea concerning the real character of the so-called baron. He discounted prior prejudice, which, as is known, goes a great way in forming conclusions, and yet he did not understand the young man. Finally our hero rose from the table and said:
"My luck was much better than yours."
The baron was certainly a very handsome young man. His manners were those of a gentleman, and his language and general demeanor indicative of one who had been well born, and we repeat, in view of all statements concerning the young man, our hero was mystified.
"Come," he said in an offhand way, "let's go and have some supper."
"Why do you ask me?"
"I need a companion; you are a good fellow and a loser. I am a good fellow and a winner. You will go with me?"
"As you insist I will; you appear to be a very charming gentleman."