The Cosmic Gambler. Stories

This volume includes the novel "The Cosmic Gambler" and a cycle of stories about Earth’s Diplomatic Corps, introducing readers to two of Laumer’s most popular characters—Retief and Lafayette O’Leary—and telling of their utterly incredible adventures.

Lafayette O'Leary, former U.S. citizen, former impoverished draftsman who lived in rooms like a stinking stable, and now a knighted sir on the planet Artesia, dubbed a knight by Princess Adoranne.

“Central” placed him in another universe, the kingdom of Artesia, so that in that colorful land he would fight a dragon in single combat, be knighted, become rich, and marry happily. Things are going splendidly for him, but... much grows tiresome. And then Artesia disappears, and he finds himself standing by a bar run by a girl so much like the Princess of Artesia, in a city where many people not only know him, but very much want to kill him. Once again someone has shuffled the universes like cards, and O’Leary begins a new venture, fortunate that he still has his head on his shoulders!