his life. He was taken prisoner during the American war,
along with three other officers of the same rank: one evening they were
summoned into the presence of Washington, who announced to them that the
conduct of their Government, in condemning one of his officers to death,
as a rebel, compelled him to make reprisals; and that, much to his
regret, he was under the necessity of requiring them to cast lots,
without delay, to decide which of them should be hanged. They were then
bowed out, and returned to their quarters. Four slips of paper were put
into a hat, and the shortest was drawn by Captain Asgill, who exclaimed,
"I knew how it would be; I never won so much as a hit at backgammon in
my life." As Greville was selected to sit up with Captain Asgill, "And
what," inquired Smith, "did you say to comfort him?"--"Why, I remember
saying to him, when they left us, '_D---- it, old fellow, never mind_!'"
But it may be doubted (added Smith) whether he drew much comfort from
the exhortation. Lady Asgill persuaded the French Minister to interpose,
and the Captain was permitted to escape.

DCCCLVII.--A HARD HIT.

MAJOR B----, a great gambler, said to Foote, "Since I last saw you, I
have _lost_ an eye."--"I am sorry for it," said Foote, "pray _at what
game_?"

DCCCLVIII.--THE TIME OUT OF JOINT.

SOME one who had been down in Lord Kenyon's kitchen, remarked that he
saw the spit shining as bright as if it had never been used. "Why do you
mention his spit?" said Jekyll; "you must know that nothing _turns upon
that_." In reference to the same noble lord, Jekyll observed, "It was
Lent all the year round in the kitchen, and _Passion_ week in the
parlor."

DCCCLIX.--MONEY'S WORTH.

A SOLDIER, having retired from service, thought to raise a few pounds by
writing his adventures. Having completed the manuscript, he offered it
to a bookseller for forty pounds. It was a very small volume, and the
bookseller was much surprised at his demand. "My good sir," replied the
author, "as a soldier I have always resolved to _sell my life as dearly
as possible_."

DCCCLX.--HIS WAY--OUT.

SIR RICHARD JEBB, the famous physician, who was very rough and harsh in
his manner, once observed to a patient to whom he had been extremely
rude, "Sir, _it is my way_."--"Then," returned his indignant patient,
pointing to the door, "I beg you will _make that your way_!"

DCCCLXI.--A GROWL.

HE that's ma