eturned to it,
while the places of those who have defected, and gone off to other
gambling resorts, are filled by fresh arrivals.

A small party of gentlemen, who think they have had play enough for that
night, have left the "El Dorado" for good. Among these are the English
officers, whose visit proved so prejudicial to the interests of the
place.

De Lara, too, and Calderon, with other confederates, have forsaken the
saloon. But whither gone no one knows, or seems to care; for the
fortunes of fallen men soon cease to interest those who are themselves
madly struggling to mount up.

CHAPTER THIRTY TWO.

A SUPPER CARTE-BLANCHE.

On parting from the "El Dorado," Crozier and Cadwallader do not go
directly aboard the _Crusader_. They know that their boat will be
awaiting them at the place appointed. But the appointment is for a
later hour; and as the breaking of the Monte bank, with the incidents
attendant, occupied but a short while, there will be time for them to
see a little more of San Francisco life. They have fallen in with
several other young officers, naval like themselves, though not of their
own ship, nor yet their own navy, or nation, but belonging to one
cognate and kindred--Americans. Through the freemasonry of their common
profession, with these they have fraternised, and it is agreed they
shall all sup together. Crozier has invited the Americans to a repast
the most _recherche_, as the costliest, that can be obtained at the
grandest hotel in San Francisco, the _Parker House_. He adds
humorously, that he is able to stand the treat. And well he may; since,
besides the English money with which he entered the "El Dorado," he has
brought thousands of dollars out of it, and would have brought more had
all the ivory cheques been honoured. As it is, his pockets are filled
with notes and gold; as also those of Cadwallader, who helps him to
carry the shining stuff. Part of the heavy metal he has been able to
change into the more portable form of bank-notes. Yet the two are still
heavily weighted--"laden like hucksters' donkeys!" jokingly remarks
Cadwallader, as they proceed towards the _Parker_.

At the hotel a private room is engaged; and, according to promise,
Crozier bespeaks a repast of the most sumptuous kind, with
_carte-blanche_ for the best wines--champagne at three guineas a bottle,
hock the same, and South-side Madeira still more. What difference to
him?

The supper ordered in the do