Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1886-07-30
THE LAST STAKE.

The salon Of the Cercle des Etrangers
otherwise the Casino-had been open
since eleven o'clock The number of
players was still few, but some of the
roulette tables were already in operation.
The equilibrium of these tables had
previously been rectified, it being impor-
tant that their horizontally should be
perfect In fact the slightest flaw
affecting the ball thrown into the turn
ing cylinder would be remarked and
utilized to the detriment of the bank.
At each Of the six tables of roulette
16 900 francs in gold, silver and notes
had been placed on each of the two
tables of trente-et-quannte, 150 900.
This is the usual stake OF the bank dur
ing the season, and it is very seldom
that the administration has TO replenish
the starting fund. Except with drawn
game or a zero, the bank must win-and
it always wins. The game is immoral
In itself, but it is more than that, it il
stupid, for its conditions are unfair.
Round each of the roulette tables are
eight croupiers rake in hand. occupying
the places reserved for them BY their
side, sitting or standing. are the players
and spectators. In the saloons the
inspectors stroll to and fro watching the
croupiers and the stakes, while the
walters move about for the service of
the public and the administration,
which employs not less than one hun
dred and fifty people to look after the
tables
About half-pnst twelve the train from
Nice brings its customary contingent
of players To-day they were perhaps
rather numerous. The series of seven
teen for the rouge had produced its
natural result. 1t was n new attraction,
and all who worshipped chance came TO
follow its vicissitudes with increased
ardor.
An hour afterwards the rooms had
filed. The talk was chiefly Of that
extraordinary run, but ii was carried on
in subdued voices. In these immense
rooms with their prodigality of gliding,
their wealth of ornamentation, the lux
ury OF their furniture, the profusion OF
the lustres that poured forth their floods
of gaslight, to say nothing of the long
suspenders from which the green-shaded
oil-lamps more especially illuminated
the gaming tables, the dominating -ound,
Notwithstanding the crowd OF visitors,
was not that of conversation it was the
chatter and clinking of the gold and
silver pieces as they were counted or
thrown on the table, the rushing Of the
bank-notes, and the incessant Rouge
gngne ct couleur," or "dixsept, noir,
impair ct manque" in the indifferent
voices of the chiefs of the parties and
very sad sound il was
Two of the losers, who had been
amongst the most prominent the even
ing before, had not yet appeared in the
saloons. Already some of the players
were following the different chances,
endeavoring to tap the run of luck,
some at roulette, others at trente-et-
quarante. But the alterations of gain
and loss seemed TO be pretty equal, and
it didnot look as though the phenomenon
of the night before would be repeated.
Ii was not till three o'clock that Sar-
cany and Toronthal entered the Casino.
Before entering the gaming room they
took n stroll in the hall, where they were
the object of little public curiosity.
The crowd looked Mt them and watched
them, and wondered il they would again
try n struggle with this chance which
had cost them go dear. Several of the
profession would willingly have taken