THE HUMAN BANK

Evening Post, Volume CXVII, Issue 111, 12 May 1934, Page 19

THE HUMAN BANK

Nicholas Zo-graphos—the Greek King of Baccarat —was in London recently with, four members of his gaming syndicate. ,

I . The stream of inquirers who call at his hotel do not see M. Zo-graphos, 6ays the special representative of tie "Daily Express." The Gaming King pleads his ignorance of English and is never on view. Instead they are met by his chief lieutenant, M. Jacques Ehrlieh, who answers all questions.

I sent tho man of mystery a little noto in French recently. True to form ho sent down Jacques Ehrlieh.

"Understand," said the chief lieutenant, "Zo-graphos' never speaks to any one. Ho is the silent Baccarat Bank. Call him a Sphinx if you will. Many have done so. ' •„

"But I tell you he is merely simple, honest, good, and straightforward. To these qualities he owes his success as a gambler. ■: ■ .

'' People like to play with a man they

can trust, and for thirty years now he has led the Zo-graphos Syndicate, who tour from casino to casino in France.

"The game is between the punters and tho bank. It is played until the bank is either broken or the punters are'beaten out.

'' Tho French are a nation of gamblers, and among them the good name and credit of Zo-graphos ard as firm as tho national bank. It is a pity that these hard times have killed gambling in France."

"X that why you have come to England?" I asked.

"Ah, non, non, non," he burst forth. "Gambling is against the law in England. Ccst defendu. Absolument."

"We havei come to get clothes," he said, exhibiting Ms Bond Street tie and Savile Eow grey suit. "And to see our English friends."

He kissed my hand, clicked his heels, and was gone. A gambler of charm.