The soldier, assuming the air of a self-conceited dupe, answered,
that he did not choose to throw away his time for nothing, but, if
he pleased, would piddle for a crown a game. This declaration was
very agreeable to the other, who wanted to be further confirmed in
the opinion he had conceived of the stranger, before he would play
for anything of consequence. The party being accepted, Gauntlet
put off his coat, and, beginning with seeming eagerness, won the
first game, because his antagonist kept up his play with a view of
encouraging him to wager a greater sum. The soldier purposely bit
at the hook, the stakes were doubled, and he was again victorious,
by the permission of his competitor. He now began to yawn; and
observing, that it was not worth his while to proceed in such a
childish manner; the other swore, in an affected passion, that he
would play him for twenty guineas. The proposal being embraced,
through the connivance of Godfrey, the money was won by the sharper,
who exerted his dexterity to the utmost, fearing that otherwise
his adversary would decline continuing the game.
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