of his
profession, and is invaluable to his employer, who gives him free scope
for the exercise of his talents. There is not a better table in all New
York. The wines and cigars are of the finest brands, and are served in
the greatest profusion. Chamberlain well understands that a good table
is an important adjunct to his business, and he makes the attraction as
strong as possible. There is no charge for the supper, or for liquors or
cigars, but the guests are men above the petty meanness of enjoying all
these luxuries without making some return for them. This return is made
through the medium of the card table.

The proprietor of the house, John Chamberlain, is one of the handsomest
men in the city. He is of middle height, compactly built, with a fine
head, with black hair and eyes, and small features. His expression is
pleasant and winning, and he is said to be invariably good natured, even
under the most trying circumstances. In manner he is a thorough-bred
gentleman, and exceedingly attractive. He is of middle age, and is
finely educated. His self-possession is remarkable, and never deserts
him, and he has the quality of putting his guests thoroughly at their
ease. In short, he is a man fitted to adorn any position in life, and
capable of reaching a very high one, but who has chosen to place himself
in a position which both the law and popular sentiment have branded as
infamous. Indeed, his very attractions and amiable qualities make him a
very dangerous member of the community. He draws to the card table many
who would be repelled from it by the ordinary gambler, and the fairness
with which he conducts his house renders it all the more dangerous to
society.

The guests consist of the most distinguished men in the city and country.
Chamberlain says frankly that he does not care to receive visitors who
are possessed of limited incomes and to whom losses would bring
misfortune. He says it hurts him more to win the money of a man on a
salary, especially if he has a family, than to lose his own, and as he
does not care to be a loser he keeps these people away as far as
possible. In plain English, he wishes to demoralize only the higher
classes of society. His visitors are chiefly men who are wealthy and who
can afford to lose, or whose high social or political stations make them
welcome guests. You may see at his table Governors, Senators, members of
Congress and of Legislatures, generals, judges, law