Page:Robert Barr - Lord Stranleigh Philanthropist.djvu/328

 At the very aristocratic club of Henri Quatre in Paris, famous for its high play, Lord Stranleigh had the advantage of an introduction to Lieutenant Grunwald, of Austria, enjoying the temporary celebrity of being the most fortunate gambler that the Club then contained.

Stranleigh laughed when challenged to play.

"No," he said, "I never venture, because all games of cards are unknown to me. Besides, I shouldn't care to play for the piffling stakes indulged in at the Henri Quatre. To labour at dealing out cards, to wait patiently for the result, and then win only three or four thousand pounds, what's the use of it? It is merely hard work without adequate recompense."

His audience laughed at this. Immense fortunes had been lost and won at the tables of the Henri Quatre ever since the time of that merry monarch.

"I think," said the Lieutenant, "we can play high enough to suit even you. There are other games besides those of cards."

"Will you play a game so simple that even a fool like myself can understand it?"

"Certainly! Play anything, so long as there's money at the end of it."

"Right you are!" exclaimed Stranleigh. "Now, here's a pack face downwards on the table between