The wretched young man went
on, and lost again. Bewildered, beside himself, he staked
fabulous sums to try and make up for his losses, and very soon
found, in his turn, that he owed his adversary one hundred
thousand francs(L4166)!
At this point the horrible denouement commenced. The pretended
count stopped, and crossing his arms on his breast, said
sternly--'Monsieur Olivier de ----, you must be very rich to
stake so glibly such enormous sums. Of course you know your
fortune and can square yourself with it; but, however rich you
may be, you ought to know that it is not sufficient to lose a
hundred thousand francs, but that you must pay it. Besides, I
have given you the example. Begin, therefore, by putting down
the sum I have won from you; after which we can go on.' . . .
'Nothing can be more proper, sir,' stammered out young Olivier,
'I am ready to satisfy you; but, after all, you know that . . . .
gaming debts . . . . my word . . . .'
'The d--l! sir,' said the pretended count, giving the table a
violent blow with his fist--'Why do you talk to me about your
WORD. Gad! You are well entitled to appeal to the engagements
of honour! Well! We have now to play another game on this
table, and we must speak out plainly.
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