“He puts a louis on one of the dozens then watches the ball. Just as it drops he shifts his stake to the winning dozen. He is quick as a flash and nine times out of ten the croupier doesn’t notice it. So he gets paid.”
“He’s a shady one. If you leave your money in the table at night, be sure to lock your door.”
“I’ve never done so yet, but in future I’ll be more careful.”
At this moment the Rat entered and greeted them with a twinkle in his beady eyes.
“Well,” he said briskly, “I’ve just made my ‘day,’—five louis. Now I can rest.”
“You’re easily satisfied,” said the Twitcher; “if I don’t clear twenty, I think I’m out of luck.”
“Not me,” said the Sword-Swallower. “If I can make the bank cough up a couple of louis I quit. But I never fail.”
“What’s your system?” demanded the Rat.
“Oh, I play for a paroli. And yours?”
“I always play between the dozens,” answered the Rat; “it’s the safest.”