“I guess,” said John Bruce, with a whimsical smile, “that I didn't bring enough with me. I don't know where I can get any more to-night, and--oh, here!” He laughed with easy grace, as he suddenly tossed his jeweled watch-fob to the croupier. “One more fling anyhow--I've still unbounded faith in 'zero'! Let me have a thousand on that. It's worth about two.” The croupier, as on the previous occasion, examined the article, but, as before, shook his head. “I'm awfully sorry, Mr. Bruce, but it's strictly against the rules of the house,” he said apologetically. “I can fix it for you easily enough though, if you care to take a trip to Persia.” “A trip to Persia?” inquired John Bruce in a puzzled way. “I think I heard you suggest that before this evening. What's the idea?” Some of those around the table were smiling. “It's all right,” volunteered a player opposite, with a laugh. “Only look out for the conductor!” “Shoot!” said John Bruce nonchalantly. “That's good enough! You can book my passage, Mr. Croupier.” The croupier called an attendant, spoke to him, and the man left the room. “It will take a few minutes, Mr. Bruce--while you are getting your hat and coat. The doorman will let you know,” said the croupier, and with a bow to John Bruce resumed the interrupted game. John Bruce strolled from the room, and descended to the lower floor. He entered the supper room, and while old Jake plied him with delicacies he saw the doorman emerge from the telephone booth out in the hall, hurry away, and presently return, talking earnestly with Monsieur Henri de Lavergne. The manager, in turn, entered the booth. Monsieur Henri de Lavergne came into the supper room after a moment. “In just a few minutes, Mr. Bruce--there will be a slight delay,” he said effusively. “Too bad to keep you waiting.” “Not at all!” responded John Bruce. He held a wine glass up to the light. “This is very excellent, Monsieur de Lavergne.” Monsieur Henri de Lavergne accepted the compliment with a gratified bow. “Mr. Bruce is very kind to say so,” he said--and launched into an elaborate apology that Mr. Bruce should be put to any inconvenience to obtain the financial accommodation asked for. The security that Mr. Bruce offered was unquestioned. It was not that. It was the rule of the house. Mr. Bruce would understand. Mr. Bruce understood perfectly. “Quite so!” he said cordially. Monsieur Henri de Lavergne excused himself, and left the room. “A fishy, clever little crook,” confided John Bruce to himself. “I wonder what's the game?”