pleasantly as possible, and even to exceed the bounds of sober merriment. The wine flowed freely; the song, the jest, and the merry tale gave their zest to the entertainment, and when we rose from the table we were most of us in a situation to be led into any amusement that might be suggested, how far soever beyond the bounds of prudence. Cards were introduced, and various parties formed at various games. I knew that I possessed no skill, and flushed as I was with wine, I still retained sufficient sense not to engage in a contest with those whom I felt assured must, without extraordinary fortune on my side, transfer my money to their pockets. As I sat looking on at some of the players, I was accosted by Roberts. “‘What!’ said he, ‘are you an idler as well as myself?’ “‘Yes,’ I replied, ‘but that is not extraordinary, for you know very well that I am not able to cope with these gentlemen. But how happens it that you, who are an experienced hand, should refuse to try the chances?’ “‘Why,’ said Roberts, ‘I make it a rule never to play at any game that depends on science, unless my head is perfectly cool. Now, I have swallowed rather too much of the good wine, to be able to rely upon my judgment. I should not object to try my luck at any thing that depended on the toss of a die or the turn of a card, because if fortune smiled upon me I should play the bolder for what I have drunk, and win the more, and if I lost, why the affair would be the sooner ended, and I should get to sleep the earlier.’ “‘Well,’ said I, ‘can you find no such game?’ “‘I don’t know,’ replied he, ‘some of the party are talking of faro; if they open a bank I will bet against it. Would _you_ like to do so?’ “‘No,’ I replied, ‘I shall content myself with being a spectator.’ “‘Pooh!’ said Roberts, ‘you’ve plucked the knowing ones to-day, and got your pockets full of cash; you can afford to part with some of it, even if you lose; but what should prevent you from doubling what you have?’ “‘But, Roberts,’ said I, ‘I do not even know how the game is played.’ “‘It is as simple as two and two make four—here,’ continued he, taking up a pack of cards, ‘I will show you,’ and he went on to explain the game. “‘Is this all the mystery?’ inquired I, when he had got through; ‘I have heard it said that the odds were in favor of the banker, but I can’t see how.’ “‘Oh, so they are, generally,’ said Roberts, ‘but merely because it is the disposition of most men, when they have a run of luck, to stake with prudence, and when they are losing to exercise a corresponding degree of rashness.’ “‘And what should make me an exception?’