I looked upon Mr. Bundercombe as a card sharper of
the ordinary type, and I simply blamed myself for having introduced him to
my friends. I accordingly made some excuse to terminate the party."
"Did any one else besides yourself," I inquired, "observe this alleged
irregularity?"
"Both Mrs. Delaporte and Mr. Dimsdale distinctly saw the very flagrant
piece of cheating that first attracted my attention," Captain Bannister
declared. "They understood at once the position when I suggested the
termination of the game. Our party broke up hurriedly. Since that day I
have not seen Mr. Bundercombe."
I turned toward my prospective father-in-law. Mr. Bundercombe for the
first time was looking a little annoyed.
"Do you mean to tell me," he said, addressing Captain Bannister, "that
both that young jay Dimsdale and Mrs. Delaporte saw me pass up that ace?"
"Without a doubt," Captain Bannister assented, a little taken aback.
"Guess my fingers must be getting a bit clumsy," Mr. Bundercombe sighed.
"Well, well! There the matter is."
"But, Mr. Bundercombe," I asked seriously, "what have you to say in reply
to Captain Bannister's statement?"
"Don't seem to me there's much to be said," Mr. Bundercombe replied.
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