“The warning was not in vain.
“It was accepted by all but one player, who placed on the table about sixty Louis.
“The Major H—, in no way disconcerted, again dealt, and turned up nine—a nine of diamonds.
“There was no further room for doubt, and all the players left their seats.
“The game was suspended, the cards were counted; there were twenty-seven too many; and contained five nines of diamonds instead of four.
“Immediately the committee was called together, and the expulsion of Major H— was unanimously decided upon. It was also decided that the Major should be turned out of the room he had occupied in the club for two days.” I approve entirely the decision of the committee, but regret that these Major H—s get off with expulsion, when the proper place would be the correctionnelle.
No more liberal player ever existed than George Hay.
On one occasion at a humdrum station in India, where he had started an unpretentious club, a sporting tailor who had lost considerably begged him to continue. “Give me my revenge,” he implored, and for three days and three nights, with periodical adjournments for a tub, this amiable punter continued giving the revenge. But Fate, alas! was against the little Snipper, and on the third day the score showed a colossal sum against him.
“This can’t go on,” pleaded George. “Why, man, I shall be placed under arrest for absence without leave; besides which, I can’t keep my eyes open.”
“Only one more chance,” whined the tailor.