LONDON AS IT IS. 19 



would have otherwise rendered it impossible for him 

 to have done. 



The other man was known in a certain set as 

 " Elbow Jaques." To describe his precise vocation 

 would be impossible : his sobriquet at once bespoke 

 his most ostensible pursuit. His history, perhaps, no 

 one but himself correctly knew ; with the principles 

 and rules of every game, used in high play, he was as 

 well acquainted as with his alphabet ; dice and cards 

 were under his absolute control ; he was au-fait of 

 all the duties of marker at billiards, croupier at rouge 

 et noir, and had every chance of the hazard table at 

 his finger ends. To sum up all, as tout, he had once 

 been soundly thrashed for watching a trial. Still he 

 was noticed, betted with, and dined with, by many 

 little suspected of ever entering his door : no man 

 gave better dinners, he would " do a bit of stiff," 

 (alias cash a bill,) he was reported to have money* 

 and was known to have a handsome wife. This solves 

 the mystery, and this is London. 



" Capital brandy this of yours, Mister Stevens," 

 said Jaques, again sipping his liquor. 



" Glad you find it agreeable, sir," said Stevens. " I 

 aint much of a judge of it, cause I never takes none : 

 it don't do for my head next morning ; but I always 

 keep some for Mr. Manderville : 'tis his favourite drink 

 at all times, you know, sir." 



" Ay," replied Jaques, with a knowing wink ; "it's 

 a tailor that many people go to, when they get a little 

 out at the elbows." 



" I don't quite understand what you mean, Mr. 

 Jaques," said Stevens. 



" Perhaps not," replied the other. " I suppose you 

 know what sore shins means, eh, Master Stevens?" 



c 2 



