“I am sure you are still asking yourself why you received eighteen times the sum of your stake at the first play, and why you did not receive thirty-six times the sum at the second.” “That is true.” “Well, I will tell you.” And he proceeded to explain. Saniel did not wait for the conclusion to learn the fact that this very-much-dyed Italian prince was a liar. “I do not intend to play again,” he said. “With your luck that would be more than a fault.” “I wanted a certain sum; I have won it, and that satisfies me.” “You will not be so foolish as to refuse the hand that Fortune holds out?” “Are you sure she holds it out to me?” Saniel asked, finding that it was the prince. “Do not doubt it. I will show you--” “Thank you; but I never break a resolution.” In another moment Saniel would have turned his back on the man, but he was a witness whom it would be well to treat with caution. “I have nothing more to do here,” he said, politely. “Permit me to retire, after having thanked you for your offer, whose kindness I appreciate.” “Well,” cried the prince, “since you will not risk your fate, let me do it for you. This money may be a fetich. Take off five louis, only five louis, and confide them to me. I will play them according to my combinations, which are certain, and this evening I will give you your part of the proceeds. Where are you staying? I live at the Villa des Palmes.” “Nowhere; I have just arrived.” “Then let us meet here this evening at ten o’clock, in this room, and we will liquidate our association.” His first impulse was to refuse. Of what use to give alms to this old monkey? But, after all, it did not cost much to pay his witness five louis, and he gave them to him. “A thousand thanks! This evening, at ten o’clock.” As Saniel left the room he found himself face to face with his old comrade Duphot, who was accompanied by a woman, the same whom he had cured. “What! you here?” both the lover and his mistress exclaimed. Saniel related why he was at Monaco, and what he had done since his arrival. “With my money! Ah! She is very well,” Duphot cried. “And you will play no more?” the woman asked. “I have all I want.” “Then you will play for me.” He wished to decline, but they drew him to the roulette table, and each put a louis in his hand. “Play.” “How?” “As inspiration counsels you. You have the luck.” But his luck had died. The two louis were lost. They gave him two others, which won eight. “You see, dear friend.” He went on, with varying luck, winning and losing. At the end of a quarter of an hour they permitted him to go. “And what are you going to do now?” Duphot asked. “To send what I owe to my creditors by telegraph.” “Do you know where the telegraph is?” “No.” “I will go with you.” This was a second witness that Saniel was too wise to shake off.