accept the invitation.
This contest ended in less than an hour to my inexpressible affliction,
who lost every shilling of my own money, Strip absolutely refusing to
supply me with a sixpence.

The gentleman at whose request we had come in, perceiving by my
disconsolate looks the situation of my heart, which well nigh burst with
grief and resentment, when the other stranger got up, and went away with
my money, began in this manner:--"I am truly afflicted at your bad luck,
and would willingly repair it, were it in my power. But what in the name
of goodness could provoke you to tempt your fate so long? It is always a
maxim with gamesters to pursue success as far us it will go, and to stop
whenever fortune shifts about. You are a young man, and your passions
are too impetuous; you must learn to govern them better. However, there
is no experience like that which is bought; you will be the better for
this the longest day you have to live. As for the fellow who has got
your money, I don't half like him. Did not you see me tip you the wink
to leave off in time?" I answered, "No." "No," continued he; "you was
too eager to mind anything but the game. But, harkee," said he in a
whisper, "are you satisfied of that young man's honesty? His looks are a
little suspicious--but I may be mistaken; he made a great many grimaces
while he stood behind you, this is a very wicked town." I told him I was
very well convinced of my comrade's integrity and, that the grimaces
he mentioned were doubtless owing to his anxiety of my loss. "Oh ho! if
that be the case, I ask his pardon. Landlord, see what's to pay." The
reckoning amounted to eighteenpence, which, having discharged, the
gentleman shook us both by the hand, and, saying he should be very glad
to see us again, departed.

CHAPTER XV

Strap moralises--presents his purse to me--we inform our landlord of
our misfortune--he unravels the mystery--I present myself to Cringer--he
recommends and turns me over to Mr. Staytape--I become acquainted with
a fellow dependent, who explains the character of Cringer and
Staytape--and informs me of the method to be pursued at the Navy Office
and Surgeons' Hall--Strap is employed

In our way to our lodging, after a profound silence on both sides,
Strap, with a hideous groan, observed that we had brought our pigs to a
fine market. To this observation I made no reply, and he went on: "God
send us well out of this place; we have not been in London ei