1 will here relate a case which occurred not long since, as going to
show how well-experienced men will play more than their number. A
gambler got to playing, coming up from Goodwood, with a man whom he
mistook for a “greeney” that knew nothing of playing _scientifically_.
But he was sadly deceived. The gambler from the beginning played
somewhat carelessly, supposing that it needed no science to beat the
stranger; but the gambler lost, and commenced playing as scientifically
as he could. He still lost, and finally lost nearly all he had before he
left off; and after quitting, they went to the buffet to drink. The
gambler said to his antagonist, “You beat any man for luck I ever played
with. I’ve lost my money with you, but it makes no difference: I will be
honest with you; you did not know it, but I played six cards all the
time, and your luck beat it.” “Well,” said the innocent chap, “since you
have been so frank, I will also be frank; I have played _seven_ cards
all the way through, besides stocking and palming and occasionally
stealing, for the sake of variety.” The gambler was greatly surprised,
and swore that he would not have supposed that he knew much more than
one card from another; but he was deceived in the man, and it would not
have done for him to have shown any anger, as he first confessed having
cheated the other, who was in reality a most expert gambler, and had
purposely assumed that disguise.