He is able to exercise his adroitness at all games, simple or complicated, be it whist or battle, tric-trac, or even "heads or tails." He knows tricks, with which he can turn each and all of these to his advantage. His dupes are as numerous as they are varied; he finds them anywhere and everywhere. He spares none; his nearest relatives, his most intimate friends, are often his first victims.
The following anecdote proves the perfidy of this class of sharper:—
Three Greeks, united, not by the bonds of friendship, but of rascality, went each on his way to seek for dupes.
One of them, a young Italian, nicknamed Candour, perhaps on account of his craft and cunning, informed his companions, that he had become acquainted with a young man of position, just arrived from the country.
This young provincial was rich, a gambler, and prodigal to excess,—qualities much appreciated by the three rascals.
Finding out from the Italian, that his new friend was to be at the opera that same night, they immediately arranged their plan of attack.
So good an opportunity was not to be lost, and when their plans were all settled, they separated, having arranged to meet at the opera-house.
At the appointed hour, the three Greeks met in the lobby of the theatre, and were fortunate enough to see the young capitalist soon afterwards.
The Italian, having addressed his new friend, introduced him to his two associates, giving them titles borrowed from the nobility.
The introduction over, the conversation became general, and so interesting, that their victim did not quit their side the whole evening.