All in vain.
His luck never returned; and he made his way down-stairs in a
mood which may well be imagined. But what was his surprise when
the master of the table came running after him, saying--'Sir,
these things may be valuable to you--do me the favour to take
them with you. Next time I hope you will be more lucky,' and
returned all his rings and trinkets.
The moon was shining brightly at the time, and the young man
swore by it, that he would never again enter a gaming house, and
he kept his oath. Of course the generosity was but a decoy to
entice the youth to further ruin.
HOSPITALITY OF GAMING HOUSES, AND POPULARITY OF CITY MEN AT THEM.
Joseph Atkinson and his wife, who for many years kept a gaming
house at No. 15 under the Piazza, Covent Garden, gave daily
magnificent play dinners,--cards of invitation for which were
sent to the clerks of merchants, bankers, and brokers in the
city. Atkinson used to say that he liked CITIZENS--whom he
called FLATS--better than any one else, for when they had DINED
they played freely, and after they had lost all their money they
had credit to borrow more. When he had CLEANED THEM OUT, when
THE PIGEONS WERE COMPLETELY PLUCKED, they were sent to some of
their solvent friends.
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