To Mr Holdsworth, quitting a neighbouring hell under more respectable circumstances, pocketing a trifle of what is so easily gained, can, he thinks, be no very great harm. However, it now became absolutely necessary that he should do business on his own account, when circumstances utterly prevented his doing it on the account of others. Papa Leach advanced the needful, and he is, as we see, one of this firm.
Perhaps Mr Watson may have some recollection, however imperfect, of Messrs Crook and Co., of York Street, Covent Garden, his old masters. We may, probably, at a future opportunity, assist the elucidation of some occurrences in that quarter. We believe that Mr Crook never speaks of him with any particular respect! It was here that Mr L—— p D—— s lately won nearly £5000 of Crockford, Kelly, Lavisne, &c. It is a great chance if they have not obtained their revenge ere this.
A singular escape was recently sustained here by Major A—— y. He is not only a man of mettle, but of metal; in plain English, he has money, and was allowed partial success, pour encourager les autres. We only suppose that arrangements were made for his next appearance. All were silent and ready. The anxious moment arrived, St James’s clock struck nine,—the customary signal to begin,—yet he had not arrived: therefore, it was thought advisable to commence operations. The company loudly expressed impatience and offence at waiting for anyone. The house conceded, and lo! the cards were dealt—when, to the astonishment and dismay of the company, there were fifteen trente et un et après, in one deal! wonderful! mysterious chance! The Major entered at this critical moment, and took out his well-stored pocket-book; but, when he learnt what had happened, and saw his narrow escape, he coolly returned it to his pocket, saying, as he retired, ‘I will never enter a house where such a chance has happened!!’ We need not be surprised at the sum which THIS firm is said to have cleared.
They affect to carry their heads high, and to despise common menaces, saying, that THEY have the countenance of the Hon. Messrs——, sons of a high and most esteemed legal character.
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MRS LEACH’S, No. 6 KING STREET, ST JAMES’S.
Is a particularly snug and quiet shop, and the name of the proprietor is singularly appropriate. This concern is suspended.
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THE ELDER DAVIS, No. 10 KING STREET, ST JAMES’S.
Is but a small affair, recently opened. It gets on swimmingly.