So Ben and his new acquaintance entered the famous gambling-den. It was handsomely furnished and decorated, with a long and gaily appointed bar, while the mirrors, pictures, glass, and silverware excited surprise, and would rather have been expected in an older city. There were crowds at the counter, and crowds around the tables, and the air was heavy with the odor of Chinese punk, which was used for cigar-lights, The tinkle of silver coin was heard at the tables, though ounces of gold-dust were quite as commonly used in the games of chance.
"I suppose a good deal of money is won here?" said Ben, looking around curiously.
"There's a good deal lost," said Ben's new acquaintance.
"Gentlemen, will you drink with me?" said a young man, with flushed face, rising from a table near-by, both hands full of silver and gold, "I've been lucky to-night, and it's my treat."
"I don't care if I do," said Ben's companion, with alacrity, and he named his drink.
"What'll the boy have?"
"Nothing, thank you," answered Ben, startled,
"That won't do. I insist upon your drinking," hiccuped the young man, who had evidently drunk freely already. "Take it as a personal insult, if you don't."
"Never mind the boy," said his new friend, to Ben's great relief. "He's young and innocent. He hasn't been round like you an' me."
"That's so," assented the young man, taking the remark as a compliment. "Well, here's to you!"