Page:Robert Barr - Lord Stranleigh Philanthropist.djvu/330

 We have reliable servants in this Club. Send a message to your bank. As a military man, you know when to bring up reinforcements."

The messenger was sent, and when he returned the play went on,until three hundred and twenty thousand pounds were shoved across the table to Lord Stranleigh. Perspiration was pouring down the Lieutenant's face. He trembled with anger as he rose to his feet.

"I appeal to the Club!" he vociferated. "This is villainously unfair. Lord Stranleigh has come here prepared to crush me with the weight of money. He comes as a banker, not as a gentleman."

"Really, Lieutenant," put in the Duc d'Archambault, "if you have any complaint, it should be referred to the Committee, and not made a matter of brawling in the Club."

"Oh!" protested Stranleigh, "there's nothing here for the Committee to decide. You all saw that I entered this contest only after being repeatedly challenged. This money is mine by the rules of the game, and my possession of it cannot be questioned. The game is as simple as A. B.C., and was explained thoroughly to the Lieutenant before he began."

"That's true," murmured several of the members.

"I demand to know how much money Lord Stranleigh brought into this Club. I declare that