He knew that their
purpose was a dire one, and the only question was, how would they work
out their plan? Keen were his glances under his seeming inebriety, and
he beheld the men exchange glances, and also recognized looks of
triumph, intimating, "We've done it well. He is ours."
The three men walked on and at length halted in front of a house which
our hero had once had under suspicion.
"Here we are," said Girard.
"All right," responded Oscar.
"Say, my friend," suggested Thatford, "we must not play for large
stakes. Remember I am not a rich man; I can't lose like some of you
golden bucks."
"I never play for big stakes," said Girard.
The men entered the house and Girard said:
"My gambling box is on the top floor. There I don't annoy my neighbors."
"All right," said Oscar. Our hero was seemingly in a very complaisant
mood. The men ascended to the top floor. Girard ushered his guests into
a room which contained a full equipment for a game of draw. There were
shaded lights, a polished table, and by touching a button he summoned a
lackey to serve in attendance, and our seemingly half-boozed Oscar
scanned the face of the lackey and perceived that indeed a very cunning
game was being played. Cards, cigars, liquor, and all the paraphernalia
were introduced, even to chips, and the game commenced.
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