THE LIFE OF A SPORTSMAN 



only on your own account, but as the son of a valued 

 friend.' 



' No fear,' replied Sir John ; ' I never lost £100 at any 

 o-ame in my life ; and as I know not one of my friends or 

 acquaintance that is a gainer, but many who are losers by 

 gambling, I mean to steer clear of it. In fact, I detest your 

 professed gamesters ; their hearts are as hard as stones, and 

 as cold too ; and they would rob their own brothers if they 

 could.' 



On the following morning Sir John took his departure from 

 the Abbey, but not without having obtained a promise from 

 Frank, to visit him before he w^ent to Oxford. 



88 



