“ Passe ” was a row of numbers from 19 to 36 inclusive; while a row of numbers from 1 to 18 inclusive was known as “ Manque .” But what had that to do with me? I had not noticed⁠—I had not so much as heard the numbers upon which the previous coup had fallen, and so took no bearings when I began to play, as, in my place, any systematic gambler would have done. No, I merely extended my stock of twenty ten-gülden pieces, and threw them down upon the space “ Passe ” which happened to be confronting me.

“ Vingt-deux! ” called the croupier.

I had won! I staked upon the same again⁠—both my original stake and my winnings.