nderstand how vapid are all amusements to a man who
has acquired a taste for this one. The game we play," he continued, "is
one of extreme simplicity. A full pack--but I perceive you are about to
see the thing in progress. Will you lend me the help of your arm? I am
unfortunately paralysed."

Indeed, just as Mr. Malthus was beginning his description, another pair
of folding-doors was thrown open, and the whole club began to pass, not
without some hurry, into the adjoining room. It was similar in every
respect to the one from which it was entered, but somewhat differently
furnished. The centre was occupied by a long green table, at which the
President sat shuffling a pack of cards with great particularity. Even
with the stick and the Colonel's arm, Mr. Malthus walked with so much
difficulty that everyone was seated before this pair and the Prince, who
had waited for them, entered the apartment; and, in consequence, the
three took seats close together at the lower end of the board.

"It is a pack of fifty-two," whispered Mr. Malthus. "Watch for the ace
of spades, which is the sign of death, and the ace of clubs, which
designates the official of the night. Happy, happy young men!" he added.
"You have good eyes, and can follow the game. Alas! I cannot tell an ace
from a deuce across the table."

And he proceeded to equip himself with a second pair of spectacles.

"I must at least watch the faces," he explained.

The Colonel rapidly informed his friend of all that he had learned from
the honorary member, and of the horrible alternative that lay before
them. The Prince was conscious of a deadly chill and a contraction about
his heart; he swallowed with difficulty, and looked from side to side
like a man in a maze.

"One bold stroke," whispered the Colonel, "and we may still escape."

But the suggestion recalled the Prince's spirits.

"Silence!" said he. "Let me see that you can play like a gentleman for
any stake, however serious."

And he looked about him, once more to all appearance at his ease,
although his heart beat thickly, and he was conscious of an unpleasant
heat in his bosom. The members were all very quiet and intent; every one
was pale, but none so pale as Mr. Malthus. His eyes protruded; his head
kept nodding involuntarily upon his spine; his hands found their way,
one after the other, to his mouth, where they made clutches at his
tremulous and ashen lips. It was plain that the honorary member enjoyed
h