“Well, Marechal,” queried the count in the lowest of voices, “to what amount have you laid odds?”
“To five thousand louis, Monsieur le Comte,” replied the bookmaker, likewise lowering his voice. “A pretty job, eh? I'll confess to you that I've increased the odds; I've made it three to one.”
Vandeuvres looked very much put out.
“No, no, I don't want you to do that. Put it at two to one again directly. I shan't tell you any more, Marechal.”
“Oh, how can it hurt, Monsieur le Comte, at this time o' day?” rejoined the other with the humble smile befitting an accomplice. “I had to attract the people so as to lay your two thousand louis.”
At this Vandeuvres silenced him. But as he was going off Marechal remembered something and was sorry he had not questioned him about the shortening of the
