Page:The Mating of the Blades.djvu/36

 eyes were contracted into slits. His nostrils quivered. He looked more un-English than ever.

“Right-oh, Dook!'" said the cockney. “I'll prove it!”

And he did.

On both the packs o£ cards they had been using the Kings, Queens, and Aces had been carefully marked on the reverse side with tiny needle pricks.

Silence dropped like a shutter.

Then the earl turned to the financier.

“Would you mind stepping out of the room for a few minutes?” he asked, bowing, and speaking in a very low voice. “I wish to speak to my sons. Presently I shall endeavor to make you a suitable apology.”

Then, as the door closed on Mr. Preserved Higgins:

“Hector, you are ruined!”