“This,” said he, “is the cream of the game. Six packs are properly shuffled, and properly cut; the players put their money on black or red, which is the main event, and is settled thus: The dealer deals the cards in two rows. He deals the _first_ row for black, and stops the moment the cards pass thirty. That deal determines how near _noir_ can get to thirty-one.” Severne then dealt for _noir,_ and the cards came as follows: “Queen of hearts--four of clubs--ten of spades--nine of diamonds: total, thirty-three.” He then dealt for red: Knave of clubs--ace of diamonds--two of spades--king of spades--nine of hearts: total, thirty-two. “Red wins, because the cards dealt for red come nearer thirty-one. Besides that,” said he, “you can bet on the color, or against it. The actual color of the first card the player turns up on the black line must be black or red. Whichever happens to be it is called 'the color.' Say it is red; then, if the black line of cards wins, color loses. Now, I will deal again for both events. “I deal for _noir.”_ “Nine of diamonds. Red, then, is the actual color turned up on the black line. Do you bet for it, or against it?” “I bet for it,” cried Zoe. “It's my favorite color.” “And what do you say on the main event?” “Oh, red on that too.” “Very good. I go on dealing for _noir._ Queen of diamonds, three of spades, knave of hearts--nine of spades: thirty-two. That looks ugly for your two events, black coming so near as thirty-two. Now for red. Four of hearts, knave of spades, seven of diamonds, queen of clubs--thirty-one, by Jove! _Rouge gagne, et couleur._ There is nothing like courage. You have won both events.” “Oh, what a nice game!” cried Zoe. He then continued to deal, and they all bet on the main event and the color, staking fabulous sums, till at last both numbers came up thirty-one. Thereupon Severne informed them that half the stakes belonged to him. That was the trifling advantage accorded to the bank. “Which trifling advantage,” said Vizard, “has enriched the man-eating company, and their prince, and built the Kursaal, and will clean you all out, if you play long enough.”