ness,
as well as the manner in which he handled his tools, convinced me of his
inexperience, and I accepted the proposal;--but, to my surprise, he won
the game. He laughed so heartily at the event, and conducted himself
so extravagantly, that I felt persuaded the thing was accidental. He
proposed doubling the stakes, which I refused; yet I agreed to play him
for the same sum as before, but giving him only fourteen. By some chance
he won again; and then I declined playing any more; but he pushed me so
hard, and offered to play the even game rather than I should give over,
that I was induced to yield. He declared he did not want my money, and
wished to give me an opportunity of recovering it. It was the depth of
artifice, and I discovered it too late. He won . . . and I had no money
to pay! One of the bystanders took part with him; my case did not invite
or interest any one to stand by me. I was treated with great indignity;
and though I gave up my watch and every article of value I possessed,
yet I was not allowed to depart without very ill usage. I had
transgressed the laws of gaming, by betting after I had ceased to be
able to pay; but I had so confidently felt that I had my antagonist in
my own power, that I considered the stake as my own as soon as the bet
was made. The injuries I received were very severe, and confined me to
my bed for several days.'(32)

(32) Confessions of a Gamester.

The splendid and fascinating game of Billiards seems to have been an
English invention; and it became greatly in vogue during the reign of
Louis XIV. of France, to whom it was recommended by his physicians as an
exercise after meals.

It is said that Chamillard, who played with the king, entirely owed
his political fortune to the skill which he displayed in this game.
Billiards has not as yet been placed, like skittles and bowls, under the
interdict of the police authorities, and it is difficult to see how they
could venture upon so tremendous an experiment. The game seems to be
more in vogue than ever, and doubtless heavy sums are lost and won at
it. Billiard matches have during the last three years become quite one
of the winter exhibitions, and particularly this season have the public
shown their taste for the game. Perhaps the extraordinary performances
of some of the first-class cueists have stirred up the shades of
Kentfield's days, his homely game of cannons off list cushions and
gently-played strength strokes; or by cha