Will you play this sum for me?
The risk is mine,--the half-profits yours.' I was startled, as you may suppose, at such an address; but the stranger had an air and tone with him it was impossible to resist.

Besides, I was burning to recover my losses, and should not have risen had I had any money left about me.

I told him I would accept his offer, provided we shared the risk as well as profits.

'As you will,' said he, smiling, 'we need have no scruple, for you will be sure to win.' I sat down, the stranger stood behind me; my luck rose, I invariably won.

In fact, I rose from the table a rich man." "There can be no foul play at the public tables, especially when foul play would make against the bank." "Certainly not," replied the count.