298 EOUGE ET NOIK. 



round, I thought I could recognise one, 

 two or more faces. Indeed, one in par- 

 ticular, whose services had gained him 

 rank and distinction in the Navy, I 

 could not be mistaken, from the very 

 peculiar expression of countenance an 

 unfortunate imperfection of speech gave 

 him. He and many others I could see 

 intent upon the game, their features con- 

 tracting in frowns or expanding in smiles 

 as their different chances came off. My 

 companion soon obtained a seat, and 

 every now and then I could see his one 

 eye turned up to the ceiling as if asking 

 there for information, upon what colour 

 he .should deposit his chance. 



" Make your game, make your game, Gen- 

 tlemen," was intermittently reiterated by the 

 venerable dealer and his associate; and urged 

 by the nods and gesticulation of my in- 

 troducer, and imbibing at the same time 

 the general infatuation, I ventured to 



