Punch (80.1881)

iv PUNCH, OR THE LONDON CHARIVARI. _[Jdly 2, 1881.

There was a general laugh, and Toby barked merrily.

"'Well,'1 said the hero of Cahors, accepting the sally with genial dignity, " I admit, to use the language of your turf,
that I may have dropped heavily with Scrutin cle Listc; but I have something in my stable with more stay in him. Old,
Monsieur, I tell you I stand to win the plus grand price of all, with Dictateur. Come, voyons, will you give me your odds ? "

He pulled out his tablets as he spoke.

The American produced his book.

"Stay," said Mr. Punch, intervening, as they were preparing their pencils for business. "Put tbose things up,
and make sure of your money. Whatever odds you give or take, there '11 be a loss somewhere."
" Parfaitement," responded the coming President.
"You are right, Sir," echoed Uncle Sam.

" Why, cert'nly," rejoined Mr. Punch, with much confidence. " I have had some little experience in book-
making, for I have a settlement every six months ; but, whatever events may have come off in the interval, I invariably
win largely."

The host rose, and took from the pocket of a sporting-coat a package carefully done up in silver pap'r. His
distinguished guests watched his movements with respectful interest.

" You do invariably win ? " asked the President of the Chamber, in a tone of thoughtful inquiry.
He was answered by a Parisian bow. The American nodded his head in cute approbation.
" Then, Sir," he said, " I calculate that that there book of yours is always a certainty ? "
The Prince of Book-makers smiled, and unfolded his parcel.

" Always," he said, disclosing something very attractive in green and gold as he spoke; "and, if you would like
to see how I manage it,—here you are! "

And so saying, the now radiant Sage produced his

(%ljtic.tji ftrluntc!