in repeating it
before he throws what was his main, he wins; if not, he loses. In other
words, having completely failed to throw his main in the first
instance, he should lose, but does not in consequence of the equitable
interference of his newly-made acquaintance, which constitutes itself
his chance. For example, suppose the caster "sets"--that is, places on
the table--a stake of L10, and it is covered by an equal amount, and he
then calls 7 as his main and throws 5; the groom-porter at once calls
aloud, "5 to 7"--that means, 5 is the number to win and 7 the number to
lose, and the player continues throwing until the event is determined
by the turning up of either the main or the chance. During this time,
however, a most important feature in the game comes into operation--the
laying and taking of the odds caused by the relative proportions of
the main and the chance. These, as has been said, are calculated with
mathematical nicety, are proclaimed by the groom-porter, and are never
varied. In the above instance, as the caster stands to win with 5 and to
lose with 7, the odds are declared to be 3 to 2 against him, inasmuch as
there are three ways of throwing 7, and only two of throwing 5. As soon
as the odds are declared, the caster may increase his stake by any sum
he wishes, and the other players may cover it by putting down (in this
instance) two-thirds of the amount, the masse, or entire sum, to await
the turning up of either main or chance. If a player "throws out" three
times in succession, the box passes to the next person on his left,
who at once takes up the play. He may, however, "throw in" without
interruption, and if he can do so some half-dozen times and back his
luck, the gains will be enormous.

'The choice of a main is quite optional: many prefer 7 because they may
make a coup at once by throwing that number or by throwing 11, which is
a "nick" to 7, but to 7 only. Shrewd players, however, prefer some other
main, with the view of having a more favourable chance to depend upon
of winning both stake and odds. For example, let us reverse what was
mentioned above, and suppose the caster to call 5 and throw 7; he then
will have 7 as his chance to win with odds of 3 to 2 IN HIS FAVOUR.

'Such is the game of English Hazard, at which large fortunes have
been won and lost. It is exceedingly simple, and at times can become
painfully interesting. Cheating is impossible, unless with loaded dice,
which have been us