"Nor I."

"I have met him often," said the Neapolitan, who was named Count Cetoxa;
"it was, if you remember, as my companion that he joined you. He has
been some months at Naples; he is very rich,--indeed enormously so. Our
acquaintance commenced in a strange way."

"How was it?"

"I had been playing at a public gaming-house, and had lost considerably.
I rose from the table, resolved no longer to tempt Fortune, when this
gentleman, who had hitherto been a spectator, laying his hand on my arm,
said with politeness, 'Sir, I see you enjoy play,--I dislike it; but I
yet wish to have some interest in what is going on. Will you play this
sum for me? The risk is mine,--the half-profits yours.' I was
startled, as you may suppose, at such an address; but the stranger had
an air and tone with him it was impossible to resist. Besides, I was
burning to recover my losses, and should not have risen had I had any
money left about me. I told him I would accept his offer, provided we
shared the risk as well as profits. 'As you will,' said he, smiling,
'we need have no scruple, for you will be sure to win.' I sat down, the
stranger stood behind me; my luck rose, I invariably won. In fact, I
rose from the table a rich man."

"There can be no foul play at the public tables, especially when foul
play would make against the bank."

"Certainly not," replied the count. "But our good fortune was indeed
marvellous,--so extraordinary that a Sicilian (the Sicilians are all
ill-bred, bad-tempered fellows) grew angry and insolent. 'Sir,' said