第58章

"It came about in this way," Maitland began in response to Gwen's request that he should tell us all about it: "I determined to thoroughly search every book on the 'Weltz-Rizzi' list, to see if I might not get some additional clue.In the work by Robert Houdin entitled 'The Sharper Detected and Exposed' I found the statement that gamblers often neutralised a cut in a pack of cards by a rapid and dexterous sleight.This, the book went on to say, was accomplished in the following manner:

When the cards are cut and left in two packets upon the table, the sharper picks up with his right hand the parcel of cards which was originally at the bottom of the pack.This is brought above the other packet, as in an=20 onest cut, but, just before releasing the cards, the lower parcel is deftly tilted up by inserting the right little finger under it, and the upper packet quickly slid beneath it, leaving the cards in precisely the position they occupied before cutting; For this purpose, the book continued, the nail of the right little finger is worn very long, so as to facilitate its being thrust beneath a packet of cards.Here, I said to myself, is a possible explanation of one of the peculiarities of my plaster cast.The long nail on the left little finger may have served its function at the gaming table.If so, however, it would seem to indicate that our man is left-handed, while, as we have already seen, the writing upon the library slips would indicate that he is ambidextrous.We need not, therefore, I reasoned, be surprised if we find that both little fingers have long nails.I at once acted upon these thoughts and began a search of the gambling resorts of this city.In order not to excite suspicion I played a little in each place, watching my opportunity to engage the proprietor in conversation.In every case I followed the same formula.Did he remember the gentleman who used to come there? Foreigner, - spoke French, a little under medium height; had a sort of halt in his walk; bit his finger nails, etc., etc.I met with no encouragement in the down-town places, though the proprietor of one of the Hayward Place 'dives' had an idea such a man had been there, but only once or twice and he was not sure he could place him.I then went up to the South End and on Decatur Street found a man who promptly responded to my inquiries: 'Gad! that's Henri Cazot fast enough, in all but the height and gait.Dick there, he'll tell you all about him.He owes him a little debt of honour of about a hundred plunks.He gave him his note for it, and Dick carries it around with him, not because he thinks he'll ever get it, but he likes the writing.M.Henri Cazot! eh, Dick?' and he burst into a coarse laugh.I turned to Dick for further information.He had already produced a much-crumpled paper and was smoothing it out upon the table.

"'There's the article,' he said, bringing his hand down emphaticallyupon it.'The cuss was hard up.Luck had gone agin him and he had lost every cent he had.Jem Macey was a-dealin' and Cazot didn't seem to grasp that fact, but kept bettin' heavy.You see, young feller, ye ain't over likely to win at cards when yer playin' agin the dealer.Cazot didn't know this and I wouldn't tell him, for he was rather fly with the cards himself when he wan't watched too close.Well, he struck me for a loan; said his little girl was hungry and he hadn't a cent to buy bread.Gad, but he looked wild though! I always thought he was more'n half loony.Well, as I had helped to fleece him I lent him a hundred and took this here note.That's the last I ever see of M.Henri Cazot,' and he handed the paper to me.I glanced at the signature.It was the same hand that had written 'Weltz' and 'Rizzi' upon the library slips.There was that unmistakable z and the peculiar r which had just attracted my attention! It required considerable effort on my part to so restrain my feelings as not to appear especially interested in what I had learned.I think, however, I succeeded, as they freely answered my questions regarding Cazot and the daughter of whom he had spoken.They knew nothing further, they said, than what they had told me.

"'It was a year ago come next month that I lent him the money,' my informant continued.He pocketed it, hurried out, and that is the last I have ever seen or heard of him.Shouldn't wonder if he'd blown his brains out long ago.He used to have a mighty desperate look at times.He was one of them Monte Carlo fellers, I reckon.'

"That's all I have been able to learn thus far.It isn't very much, but it shows we are on the right track.By the way, Doc, I'm going to change that ad to-morrow, offering treatment by letter.Perhaps our man is too shy to apply in person.At all events we'll give the other method a trial."