Well, old fellows, I am
glad to see you, however,--come, a bottle of Champagne, for I have just
cast off all my real troubles--had a fine run of luck to-night--broke the
bank, and bolted with all the cash. Just in the nick of time-off for
Epsom to-morrow--double my bets upon the Derby, and if the thing comes
off right, I'll give somebody a thousand or two to tie me up from
playing again above five pounds stakes as long as I live. The best thing
you ever heard in your life--a double to do. Ned C-----d having heard I
had just received a few thousands, by the sale of the Yorkshire acres,
planned it with Colonel T----- to introduce me to the new club, where a
regular plant was to be made, by some of his myrmidons, to clear me out,
by first letting me win a few thousands, when they were to pounce upon
me, double the stakes, and finish me off in prime style, fleecing me out
of every guinea--very good-trick and tie, you know, is fair play--and
for this very honest service, my friend, the colonel, was to receive a
commission, or per centage, in proportion to my losses: the very last
man in the world that the old pike could ~213~~ have baited for in that
way--the colonel's down a little, to be sure, but not so low as to turn
confederate to a leg--so suppressed his indignation at the
proposition, and lent himself to the scheme, informing me of the whole
circumstances--well, all right--we determined to give the old one
a benefit--dined with him to-day--a very snug party--devilish good
dinner--superb wines--drank freely--punished his claret--and having
knocked about Saint Hugh's bones{7} until I was five thousand in pocket,
politely took my leave, without giving the parties their revenge.
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