PREFACE. 



No, dear reader, the writer of this book did not rush 

 into print because of the success of any book written upon 

 a similar subject. For years Capt. Bobbins has been 

 putting his material into shape ; and, imperfect as it may 

 be, it has been re-written a number of times. The manu- 

 script was ready for publication five years ago, but was 

 held back for further revision. There has been neither 

 desire nor purpose to trade upon anybody else's popularity. 

 " The Gam " is an honest effort to afford entertainment 

 and instruction, and, judged by proper standards, it justifies 

 the claims made for it. 



