that did it. I won a good bit of money there, and
intend to win a good bit more, don't I, Strong? I'm going to take him
with me. I've got a system. I'll make his fortune, I tell you. I'll make
your fortune, if you like--dammy, everybody's fortune. But what I'll do,
and no mistake, boys, I promise you. I'll put in for that little Fanny.
Dammy, sir, what do you think she did? She had two pound, and I'm blest
if she didn't go and lend it to Ned Strong! Didn't she, Ned? Let's drink
her health."

"With all my heart," said Arthur, and pledged this toast with the
greatest cordiality.

Mr. Altamont then began, with the greatest volubility, at great length,
to describe his system. He said that it was infallible, if played with
coolness; that he had it from a chap at Baden, who had lost by it, it
was true, but because he had not enough capital; if he could have stood
one more turn of the wheel, he would have had all his money back; that
he and several more chaps were going to make a bank, and try it; and
that he would put every shilling he was worth into it, and had come back
to the country for the express purpose of fetching away his money, and
Captain Strong; that Strong should play for him; that he could trust
Strong and his temper much better than he could his own; and much better
than Bloundell-Bloundell or the Italian that "stood in." As he emptied
his bottle, the Colonel described at full length all his plans and
prospects to Pen, who was interested in listening to his story, and the
confessions of his daring and lawless good-humour.

"I met that queer fellow Altamont the other day," Pen said to his uncle,
a day or two afterwards.

"Altamont? What Altamont? There's Lord Westport's son," said the Major.

"No, no; the fellow who came tipsy into Clavering's dining-room one day
when we were there," said the nephew, laughing, "he said he did not like
the name of Pendennis, though he did me the honour to think that I was a
good fellow."

"I don't know any man of the name of Altamont, I give you my honour,"
said the impenetrable Major; "and as for your acquaintance, I think the
less you have to do with him the better, Arthur."

Arthur laughed again. "He is going to quit the country, and make his
fortune by a gambling system. He and my amiable college acquaintance,
Bloundell, are partners, and the Colonel takes out Strong with him
as aide-de-camp. What is it that binds the Chevalier and Clavering, I
wonder?"

"I should t