ay, secret partners, or, perhaps,
'gambling pals' would be more accurate. At that time I agreed to furnish
the capital for our operations up to a certain point. I believe I have
done so, in spite of the fact that our losses have been rather heavy,
and the further fact that you confidentially told me that you had a
method, or a system, by which losses could be avoided, or at least
controlled. Am I accurate?"

"Quite so, my friend. You have proven yourself an admirable silent
partner, since you have allowed me to have my own way, paying the bills
and asking no questions, till now. Am I to understand that the losses
annoy you, and that you wish an explanation?"

"You may give me one in a moment. There is another point. You promised
to drop Adrian Fisher."

"Well?"

"You have not done so. I requested you to wear the Ali Baba costume the
other night, and yet you chose to give it to Fisher. Why was that?"

"It will be more simple to explain about the losses first, and come to
Fisher later. As you perhaps know, that detective Barnes has chosen to
place a spy at my heels. Under the circumstances, I thought it wise to
play the spy upon my spy. Several times I have gone to the club, and
then placed myself where I could watch my man. In this way I soon
discovered that he had become intimate with one of the club servants.
One day I called this fellow, and partly by threatening to have him
discharged, but mainly by using money, I got out of him what the
detective was asking about me. This was chiefly whether I lose or win
when I play cards. I found that the result of every game that I played
was being reported. Consequently after that I made it a rule to lose."

"To lose my money!"

"To lose our money, since we are partners. You are simply advancing the
funds till I get remittances from Paris. You have my I.O.U.'s. If you
are tired of the arrangement, I will pay you at once, though it would be
inconvenient."

"No, the money is of no consequence. But tell me, why did you think it
best to lose?"

"It is very simple. From the fact that the detectives are investigating
this point, it is evident that they had heard of the winnings which I
made when Fisher played with me. They may have concluded that I am a
card sharper. I wish to dispel that idea."

"Naturally. But now tell me about Fisher. What has this to do with
him?"

"As you know, I did not design to attend the festival. You went to
Philadelphia, were taken ill, and s