A PIKE STORY. 20 



youngsters, D., upon my soul you are. Charley,"" 

 (to roe), "you are a young noodle. I tell you 

 all the fish is not to be caught napping. Look 

 here, D., Charley shall give you five sovs and 

 cry a go." 



" I'll be damned if I do," replied the captain ; 

 " these youngsters must be made to pay for 

 their knowledge ; I had to do it, and I hold 

 him to his bet." 



A cloud seemed to have fallen on the com- 

 pany, for I was a bit of a favourite with most 

 of them, which the militaire was not. He was 

 well known, and it had been said once ruined a 

 young fellow on the voyage home from India at 

 backgammon. He won all his money and effects, 

 but generously allowed him to keep his clothes 

 till he got up to London, when he was to give 

 them up, or allow their full value. 



After the usual pool and so on in the billiard- 

 room, we each took our way to our respective 

 bed-chambers. 



I was sitting by the fire, thinking how I 

 should tackle the pike, and how I should begin 

 with him, when there was a tap at the door, 

 and to my invitation to come in, Sir F. entered. 



