Part 17 (1/2)
”The game is closed,” he announced evenly, with a slow sh it lacks the resources of Monte Carlo, this establishment nevertheless i twenty-five thousand dollars in one day ceases operations You are just twenty-five thousand to the good
Accept ratulations”
”You are very a, with a little bow ”But if you care for revenge, I shall be pleased to continue at the other table”
”Unfortunately that, too, has suspended operations,” returned Penfield ”However, I hope before long to relieve you of your gains”
Opening the cash drawer, he cleared it co before P Sybarite a tremendous accumulation of bills, old and new, of all denoether with soles
”I believe you will find that correct,” he observed genially
”Afterwards, I trust you will do e”
”Delighted,” said P Sybarite
Penfield strolled off, exchanged a feords with an acquaintance or two, and a fewhandful of patrons disappeared gradually, yet so quickly that P Sybarite was a lonely outsider by the ti the the croupier with five hundred dollars, he recovered his hat (at last) and descended, to find Penfield awaiting him at the foot of the steps
X
UNDER FIRE
Bloated though he ith lawless wealth and fat with insufferable self-satisfaction, P Sybarite, trotting by the side of his host, arfed alike in dignity and in physique, strongly rese tolerated by a well-groomed St Bernard
Nohen Pete had placed a plate of caviare sandwiches between thelasses froe and closed the door behind hin froh as soon as they were alone and private, he grew unpleasantly sensitive to a drop in the temperature of the entente cordiale which had thus far obtained between hialow, and simultaneously his face seemed weirdly less plu this, with no loss of uest
”Congratulations!” said he; and drank as a thirsty row less!” P Sybarite returned, putting down an eood wish plulasses, his features twisted in the wriest of griht has, I'm afraid, played the very devil with ain until I raise another bank-roll”
”My sy ”I'htfully, ”you had no chance--none whatever”
”How's that?” said Penfield, staring
”You couldn't have won against enuously explained; ”it could _not_ be done: I am invincible: it is--_Kished discordantly
”Maybe it looks that way to you But aren't you a little premature?