cket of paper dropped to the
ground. In astonishment the Count bent over to pick up the packet. M.
Gortchky struck another match.

"Let us go nearer to an electric light, that you may count your money
at your ease, Monsieur," suggested Gortchky.

Like one in a daze the Count moved along with Gortchky. When
sufficiently in the light, Surigny, with an expression of
astonishment, found that he was the possessor of thirty twenty-franc
notes.

"I did not know that I had this!" cried the Count. "How did I come to
overlook it?"

"It is but a trifle to a man of your fortune," cried M. Gortchky
gayly.

"It is all I have in the world!" sighed the young man. "And I am still
amazed that I possess so much."

"Poor?" asked Gortchky, in a voice vibrating with sympathy. "And you
so young, and a gentleman of old family! Monsieur, it may be that this
is a happy meeting. Perhaps I may be able to offer you the employment
that befits a gentleman."

Then Gortchky lowered his voice, almost whispering:

"For I am in the diplomatic service, and have need of just such an
attache as you would make. Young, a gentleman, and of charming
manners! Your intellect, too, I am sure, is one that would fit you for
eminence in the diplomatic service."

"The mere mention of the diplomatic service attracts me," confessed M.
le Comte wistfully.

"Then you shall have your fling at it!" promised M. Gortchky. "But
enough of this. You shall talk it over with me to-morrow. Diplomacy,
you know, is all gamble, and the gambler makes the best diplomat in
the world. For to-night, Monsieur, you shall enjoy yourself! If I know
anything of gaming fate, then you are due to reap a harvest of
thousands with your few francs to-night. I can see it in your face
that your luck is about to turn. An evening of calm, quiet play,
Monsieur, and in the morning you and I will arrange for your entrance
into the diplomatic world. _Faites votre jeux!_ (Make your wagers.)
Wealth to-night, and a career to-morrow! Come! To the Casino!"

CHAPTER V

DANNY GRIN FIGHTS A SMILE

Side by side Dave and Dan strolled through the vast main salon of the
Casino.

Here at tables were groups of men and women. Each player hoped to quit
the tables that night richer by thousands. Most of them were doomed to
leave poorer, as chance is always in favor of the gambling institution
and always against the player.

"It's a mad scene," murmured Dan, in a low voice.

"You are looking on