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eyes were contracted into slits. His nostrils quivered. He looked more un-English than ever.
“Right-oh, Dook!'" said the cockney. “I'll prove it!”
And he did.
On both the packs o£ cards they had been using the Kings, Queens, and Aces had been carefully marked on the reverse side with tiny needle pricks.
Silence dropped like a shutter.
Then the earl turned to the financier.
“Would you mind stepping out of the room for a few minutes?” he asked, bowing, and speaking in a very low voice. “I wish to speak to my sons. Presently I shall endeavor to make you a suitable apology.”
Then, as the door closed on Mr. Preserved Higgins:
“Hector, you are ruined!”
