PURCHASING HOESES. 123 



to mine ; I ventured to inquire, " What gentle- 

 men ?" 



" The gentlemen dealers," he answered ; " this is 

 their room.'* 



I expressed a fear that I was an intruder. 



** Not at all," he said ; " other gents often dined 

 with them." 



Finding there was nothing to be had but the half- 

 cold debris of the repast, I ordered a mutton-chop 

 and some ale. On calling for my bill I found that 

 was unnecessary, learning from the waiter's lips that 

 I had seven and sixpence to pay. I thought this, 

 even in fair time, an unreasonable charge, and said 

 so. 



" Why, you see, sir, there is four shillings and 

 sixpence the dinner, and three shillings the pint of 

 wine ; those gentlemen who take more, make a whip 

 for it." 



** But, my good fellow, I did not dine with them." 



*' No, sir, but you might have done, if you wished." 



*' Well," said I, " but what do you say to the wine ? 

 I have taken none." 



