, ranking with
Brenton, Phillips, Orrel, and Captain Wallis, who were the leaders of
the day in this noble game of skill, tact, and discretion.(43) Having
accidentally sported his abilities with two other players, he was marked
as a 'pigeon' whom every preparation was made for 'plucking.' Captain
Cates, of Covent Garden celebrity, was pitted against him at the
coffee-room billiard-table, during Epsom races, to play 21 games, for
two guineas each game, and five guineas the odds. Mr ---- won 13 games
to eight from his veteran opponent, who was invariably backed by
the leading sportingmen of the day, whilst the company at large were
casually the adherents of Mr ----.

(43) The game of Chess may be played in application of the principles of
Strategy; the game of Billiards in application of Tactics; indeed, all
man's favourite diversions and pastimes most significantly relate to
war--which has been called his natural state--exemplifying always either
the brute-force that crushes, the skill that foils, the stratagem that
surprises, or the ruse that deceives; and such is war to all intents and
purposes. The philosophic diversions of science also come in and lend
their aid in the game of war--the pastime of heroes and the necessary
defence of nations.

The match was renewed at the ensuing Ascot meeting, at the rooms of the
celebrated Simson, so much frequented by the Etonians--where Mr ----
again obtained the victory, by 36 games to 17. Immense sums were sported
on these occasions.

Mr ---- resided at Windsor, and was surprised by a message on the Sunday
evening preceding the Winchester races, purporting that a gentleman
wished to see him on very particular business. It proved to be a request
to play a match at Billiards during the races at Winchester, for which
the parties offered 10 guineas for the journey. But it was explained
to him that the match was of a particular kind, and must be played in a
PARTICULAR way--either to WIN or LOSE--so that those concerned might be
sure of winning upon the whole, let the match terminate how it would! .
. . .

This villainous proposal being made without the presence of a third
person, Mr ---- indignantly rejected it, instantly left the room, and
communicated the facts for the protection of the unwary against a set of
desperate sharpers.

MILLER'S GAMING HOUSE.

In 1796, one Thomas Miller was indicted for keeping a gaming house; and
wished to have the matter settled summarily by adm