CHAPTER I.AT ZATON'S.
'Marked cards!' There were a score round us when the fool, little knowing the man with whom he had to deal, and as little how to lose like a gentleman, flung the words in my teeth.

He thought, I'll be sworn, that I should storm and swear and ruffle it like any common cock of the hackle.

But that was never Gil de Berault's way.

For a few seconds after he had spoken I did not even look at him.

I passed my eye instead--smiling, BIEN ENTENDU--round the ring of waiting faces, saw that there was no one except De Pombal I had cause to fear; and then at last I rose and looked at the fool with the grim face I have known impose on older and wiser men.
'Marked cards, M.l'Anglais ?' I said, with a chilling sneer.