For the novelty of the thing he risked about $4,000, and lost it all in one fell swoop without turning a hair.

Then he 'plunged' with double that amount, but the best part of that, too, went the same way.

Nothing daunted, he next ventured $10,000.

This time fickle fortune favored him.

He played on with growing confidence and when his winnings amounted to the respectable sum of $75,000 he had the good sense to quit and to leave the place despite the temptation to continue." V The "man who broke the bank at Monte Carlo," and gave occasion for the song, was not named "Wells" and he was not an Englishman.