pests of society,
who prey upon their fellow-creatures; and it was put in execution by
Gauntlet in the following manner.

CHAPTER LXIX.

Godfrey executes a Scheme at Bath, by which a whole Company of Sharpers
is ruined.

On the evening after their arrival at Bath, Godfrey, who had kept
himself up all day for that purpose, went in boots to the billiard
table; and, two gentlemen being at play, began to bet with so little
appearance of judgment, that one of the adventurers then present was
inflamed with a desire of profiting by his inexperience; and, when the
table was vacant, invited him to take a game for amusement. The soldier,
assuming the air of a self-conceited dupe, answered, that he did not
choose to throw away his time for nothing, but, if he pleased, would
piddle for a crown a game. This declaration was very agreeable to
the other, who wanted to be further confirmed in the opinion he
had conceived of the stranger, before he would play for anything of
consequence. The party being accepted, Gauntlet put off his coat,
and, beginning with seeming eagerness, won the first game, because his
antagonist kept up his play with a view of encouraging him to wager
a greater sum. The soldier purposely bit at the hook, the stakes
were doubled, and he was again victorious, by the permission of his
competitor. He now began to yawn; and observing, that it was not worth
his while to proceed in such a childish manner; the other swore, in
an affected passion, that he would play him for twenty guineas. The
proposal being embraced, through the connivance of Godfrey, the money
was won by the sharper, who exerted his dexterity to the utmost, fearing
that otherwise his adversary would decline continuing the game.

Godfrey thus conquered, pretended to lose his temper, cursed his own
ill-luck, swore that the table had a cast, and that the balls did not
run true, changed his mast, and with great warmth, challenged his enemy
to double the sum. The gamester, who feigned reluctance, complied with
his desire; and having got the two first hazards, offered to lay one
hundred guineas to fifty on the game. The odds were taken; and Godfrey
having allowed himself to be overcome, began to rage with great
violence, broke the mast to pieces, threw the balls out of the window,
and, in the fury of his indignation, defied his antagonist to meet him
tomorrow, when he should be refreshed from the fatigue of travelling.
This was a very welcome i