"Come, Mr. L.," said I, after we had resumed our game, "you play so much better than I that you will be safe in giving me some little advantage. Just allow me twenty on a 'string,' and let me see if I can do any better at that." "Very well, sir," said he, "I will do it, although I am afraid you will be too much for me." But I was not, and after playing until the establishment closed for the night, I found myself under the disagreeable necessity of paying some three dollars for the privilege of being thoroughly defeated, deducting the benefit received from more than two hours' hard work! [Illustration] One other expedient suggested itself, namely, offering in payment a twenty dollar note, in the hope that the proprietor, finding it inconvenient to make change, would call on the victorious clerk to accommodate him, and thus would bring to light the missing bills. But this device also failed. I did not yet "give up the ship." "I don't know how it is with you, L.," said I, "but I feel rather empty about the epigastric region, after such a pull as you have given me, and I should think you might afford to treat a fellow." "Well, I don't care if I do," said he. "_I_ feel a sort of gnawing under my vest. Come up stairs, and we'll get something." To this I replied that I was tired of the noise, and would rather go to some more quiet place. He readily assented, and led the way to a neighboring restaurant. We ensconced ourselves within one of the curtained recesses, and here I devoted myself to the consumption of as much "provant" as my digestive organs could dispose of, with the intention of running up as large a bill as possible, in order that a bank-note might be offered in payment, and the desired proof of my companion's guilt secured. I saw through the corner of my eye that he seemed to be studying my physiognomy, and the thought came into my mind that his readiness to "treat" was owing to his wish for a good opportunity to find out something more about me. We had begun to talk about various kinds of occupations, and he inquired, "Is not your business a profitable one, Mr.--Marshall, I believe?" I acknowledged the name, and said that my business was anything but a profitable one.[A] [A] See Act of Congress establishing the compensation of Special Agents. "Isn't it a rather ticklish one, now-a-days? so much rascality you know." "Yes, but I mean to look out sharp for rogues, and to be pretty sure that I deal with people I can trust." "I have a very good situation in the post-office," said he, "but I sometimes wish to be where I could have more variety--some kind of business that would require me to travel." "You had better be contented where you are," replied I; "this seventeen-year old fever never did any one much good. If you are faithful in your present place, you will have no trouble in getting a better situation a few years hence." To this he made no reply, and the conversation dropped.