"I can count one hundred and forty-two."
"Including the 'Bridge'?"
"The famous 'Bridge'! Do you know it, then?"
"I learned it from a Polish gentleman in Belgrade."
"It is difficult."
"Enormously so. It may come out once in a hundred times."
Madame L. Hernandez produced a pack of cards from underneath the counter. "Will you oblige me, senor? I am anxious to see the play."
Indiman proceeded with the explanation. It was too intricate for me to follow. I could only understand that, with the solitaire properly resolved, the cards should finally divide themselves into four packs, headed respectively by the ace of clubs, king of diamonds, queen of spades, and knave of hearts. Indiman tried it twice, but the combination would not come out.
"We will try it again to-morrow," said Indiman, rising.
"With pleasure. Good-day, gentlemen. Mind the step."