Among our very constant visitors was a gallant captain. He came early, and was good to lose a hundred pounds, and satisfied to win fifty. His entrance was always met by a ready welcome.
‘Here comes the gallant captain! How are you, captain?’
‘Hearty, thank ye!’ he replied. ‘I say, how was it that my cheque was not paid this morning?’
‘Not paid! you’re joking, captain!’
‘Joking!’ replied the captain. ‘No, I’ll be d—d if it is a joke.’
The captain, on the previous evening, having won, had put up his counters and wished for a fifty pound note.
‘Certainly,’ said one of the triumvirs, looking into the box. ‘A fifty, did you say, captain? I am sorry to say I have not got a fifty. Make it a hundred, captain. You will soon do it if you put it down a little spicy.’
‘No,’ rejoined the captain, ‘I don’t want to play any more, for I must leave town early to-morrow morning.’
‘Well; but what is to be done?’ said the manager. Then, calling to his partner, he inquired if he had a fifty pound note for Captain——.
‘No, I have not; but I will write a cheque for him; that will be all the same.’