The next morning we strolled down to see the extensive docks, and to witness the landing of the passengers from America, a Cunarder having just then arrived. I was pleased to find among the passengers an old friend of mine, who had been on a professional tour in the United States. Having informed him of the hotel we were stopping at, he agreed to accompany us, and on arriving and partaking of some refreshment he retired to have a few hours' rest. Brown and I again consulted as to our mode of procedure, and having struck on a good idea and discussed it, we resolved on remaining another night, and endeavouring if possible to turn the tables on our conquerors.
On my friend coming down to dinner, I had an opportunity to narrate to him our unlucky proceedings the previous evening, and the amount of money we lost. As he was acquainted with my play, he felt surprised, and was anxious to see this provincial wonder. Having succeeded in arousing his curiosity, he agreed to look in at the billiard-rooms, but his name was on no account to be mentioned. We accordingly appointed an hour, and when we entered the rooms it was easily to be seen that we were expected. The bookmaker, with his cable chain, was there, and there were a numerous gathering of his friends. There, too, was my opponent, playing a game with the marker. Before I was very long in the room I was asked if I should like to stand up, and I replied, with some hesitation, I would play one game for £5 on getting ten. This was assented to, and the play commenced in the midst of some enthusiasm, and resulted in my carrying off the honours, my opponent, for his own reasons, not wishing to show off his best form so early in the evening. When I declined to play any more, Brown was asked to have a game, and he declined. They then pressed our friend to try his luck, and he rather unwillingly consented, not being in so good a condition as he should wish, owing to his voyage across the Atlantic. Wishing to do us a favour if possible, he stood up and prepared for the play. When asked, however, how many points he would take, he caused some surprise in the room when he replied that, although he was somewhat cramped by a sea voyage, he would try to play level!
The game commenced, and the bookmaker's friends were jubilant; they looked upon this match as the best thing ever known for their champion! They hoped we would only stop some time in Liverpool, and they would make their fortunes. What an immense advantage it was to have such a splendid player to set against strangers like us!
But this time they were mistaken. They had caught the wrong bird. Our friend won the game, and, to their utter consternation, kept on winning game after game, until, after two hours' play, he whispered, "Got your money back?" and I answered, "Yes, with interest—don't play any more."
We immediately left the place and returned to the hotel, where we had an excellent supper and a few bottles of "phiz," leaving the bookmaker and his friends to wonder who the "unknown" was.
A couple of years afterwards I met the insurance clerk at St. James's Hall, and he showed us that he was one of the best players in the country. But the man who beat him at Liverpool was the Champion of England.
SECRETS OF A MATRIMONIAL AGENCY.
"You have saved my life."