He it was also who mentioned the amount won by the fortunate Londoner, as given above." It is prudent of the space-writers to ascribe such "information" as this to "the head croupier," because it is precisely the like that such an authority would give out.

People upon the spot know that nothing of the kind happened, and that no person of that name had appeared upon the scene.

The story on the face of it bears to the knowing its own refutation, being absurd in every detail.

As if conscious of this, the author proceeds to quality it in the following: "It is a well-known fact that one of the most successful players at the Monte Carlo tables was Wells, who as the once popular music-hall song put it, 'broke the bank' there.

He was at the zenith of his fame, about twenty years ago, when his escapades--and winnings--were talked about widely and envied in European sporting circles and among the demi-monde.
"In ten days, it was said, he made upward of L35,000 clear winnings at the tables after starting with the modest capital of L400.