the one he had left, and by that means recovered all his money."

"That was well done," rejoined Tallyho.

"It was rather too much of a trading concern for a Lord," said Tom.

"Not for a gambling Lord," replied Merry well; "for there is in fact
nothing beneath a Greek, in the way of play: besides, it was a trying
situation, and required some desperate attempt--they care not who they
associate with, so they do but bring grist to the mill."

"The confusion of persons and characters at a Gaming-house," said
Sparkle, "are almost incredible, all ranks and descriptions are mingled
together.

"What confusion of titles and persons we see Amongst Gamesters, who
spring out of every degree, From the prince to the pauper; all panting
for play, Their fortune, their time, and their life pass away; Just as
mingled are Pigeons, for 'tis no rebuke For a Greek to pluck all, from a
Groom to a Duke."

"It is too true," said Dashall, "and equally as certain, that there are
continually new comers ready and willing to be duped, or at least ready
to risk their property, notwithstanding the warnings they have from
their more experienced friends."

"And is there no possibility of obtaining fair play?" inquired Bob, "or
redress for being pigeon'd, as you term it?"

1 A Rouleau--Is a packet containing one hundred guineas; but
as guineas are not quite so fashionable in the present day
as they formerly were, some of these Houses, for the
accommodation of their customers, circulate guinea-notes
upon their bankers.

~209~~"None," said Sparkle; "for if men will play at bowls, they must
expect rubbers; and the system of confederacy is carried on every where,
though perhaps with most success in those professed Gambling-houses,
which young men of property ought carefully to avoid."

By this time they had reached the end of St. James's Street; it was
therefore proposed by Sparkle that they should separate, particularly
as it was growing late, or rather early in the morning; and, as they had
been in some degree baffled in their attempt to take a minute survey
of the proceedings in Pall Mall, they had no decided object in
view. Accordingly they parted, Tom and Bob pursuing their way along
Piccadilly, while Sparkle, Merrywell, and Mortimer, proceeded down Bond
Street.

"I am by no means satisfied," said Tom, "with this evening's ramble, nor
exactly pleased to find our friend Sparkle is getting so sentimental."

"He is,