But knowing that he will be swindled, if possible, the man who gambles has no claim for sympathy. When he enters a faro bank, for instance, he should reflect that the men who are running the place do so in the expectation of making money; if they cannot make it fairly, they will make it by questionable means; and they will not be dainty in the selection of their victims. If, therefore, the man loses his money, he has nobody but himself to blame.
All these opinions are, it will be admitted, sound and reasonable. If Ben Hogan’s views could be infused into the public mind, the world would be the better for it.
CHAPTER XXVIII.
Conclusion.
In bringing this volume to a close it will, perhaps, be both proper and appropriate to give a brief description of Ben Hogan’s personal appearance and mental characteristics.
A study of the illustration to be found in the beginning of the book will give a fair idea of our hero’s physiognomy. It will be observed that he has a pleasant and strongly-outlined face. The brow is broad, the eyes bright and piercing, giving the appearance that they are black, but being really of a deep blue; the nose is straight and shapely, and the chin well-turned. He wears a dark mustache, which hides a mouth indicative of great firmness.
Altogether, Ben Hogan’s face is one which attracts the beholder, and it is extremely doubtful whether anybody would select its owner for a prize fighter.
In hight, Ben stands five feet and eight inches. Ordinarily he weighs one hundred and eighty-five pounds, although he has reduced this to a much lower figure, when in training. He is exceedingly well built, straight as an arrow, and active in his movements. He has a chest which would do honor to Apollo, while his shoulders are broad enough for another Atlas. His muscles are like steel, and his limbs compact and trim. He dresses neatly, sometimes elaborately even, but never in flashy taste. Meeting him upon the street in his usual dark clothes, with the silk hat and cane which he invariably carries, one might take him to be a successful business man or a thriving lawyer or possibly a sensational preacher.