he,
after I had sat down beside him.

"Yes," said I, "I am very much in want of employ."

"I think I can find you some."

"What kind?" said I.

"Why," said the man, "I think you would do to be my bonnet."

"Bonnet," said I; "what is that?"

"Don't you know? However, no wonder, as you had never heard of the
thimble-and-pea game; but I will tell you. We of the game are very
much exposed. Folks, when they have lost their money, as those who
play with us mostly do, sometimes uses rough language, calls us cheats,
and sometimes knocks our hats over our eyes; and what's more, with a
kick under our table, causes the top deals to fly off. This is the
third table I have used this day, the other two being broken by uncivil
customers. So we of the game generally like to have gentlemen go about
with us to take our part, and encourage us, though pretending to know
nothing about us. For example, when the customer says, 'I'm cheated,'
the bonnet must say, 'No, you a'n't; it is all right.' Or when my hat
is knocked over my eyes, the bonnet must square, and say, 'I never saw
the man before in all my life, but I won't see him ill-used.' And when
they kicks at the table, the bonnet must say, 'I won't see the table
ill-used, such a nice table, too; besides, I want to play myself.' And
then I would say to the bonnet, 'Thank you, my lord, them that finds,
wins.' And then the bonnet plays, and I lets the bonnet win."

"In a word," said I, "the bonnet means the man who covers you, even as
the real bonnet covers the head."

"Just so," said the man; "I see you are awake, and would soon make a
first-rate bonnet."

"What would the wages be?" I demanded.

"Why, to a first-rate bonnet, as I think you would prove, I could
afford to give from forty to fifty shillings a week."

"Is it possible?" said I.

"Good wages, a'n't they?" said the man....

"I find no fault with the wages," said I, "but I don't like the employ."

"Not like bonneting?" said the man. "Ah, I see, you would like to be
principal. Well, a time may come--those long white fingers of yours
would just serve for the business."

"Is it a difficult one?" I demanded.

"Why, it is not very easy. Two things are needful--natural talent and
constant practice. But I'll show you a point or two connected with the
game," and, placing his table between his knees as he sat over the side
of the pit, he produced three thimbles, and a small brown pellet,
something resembli