This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1888 Excerpt: ... I won't toss more than once, mind. Do you agree to that?' Captain Swillington, by way of reply, flicked a sovereign up into the air, caught it upon his knee, and clapped his hand down over it; whereupon Tom called ' Heads!' 'Tails!' responded the other, examining the coin very rapidly and putting it back into his ...
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This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1888 Excerpt: ... I won't toss more than once, mind. Do you agree to that?' Captain Swillington, by way of reply, flicked a sovereign up into the air, caught it upon his knee, and clapped his hand down over it; whereupon Tom called ' Heads!' 'Tails!' responded the other, examining the coin very rapidly and putting it back into his pocket. There was nothing further to be said. A more barefaced swindle was never perpetrated; but it not unfrequently happens that those who are the victims of a swindle must grin and bear it. Tom left the room and the house without a word, called a passing hansom, and was driven back to his lodgings in the garish light of day, turning up the collar of his overcoat to hide his white tie, ashamed of his unshaven face and swollen eyelids. When he reached his bedroom he threw himself, dressed as he was, upon the bed, and almost immediately dropped into a profound slumber, which lasted until after midday. The power of falling asleep at a moment's notice was one which he had acquired in early life, and which, happily for himself, he still retained. He awoke refreshed in body, but sadly cast down in spirit. If on the previous day he had feared that the luck was against him, he was quite certain of it now. To have been unsuccessful at baccarat would have been endurable, however melancholy; but to have actually won the sum that he required and more, and then to have been robbed of it by the unblushing effrontery of that tipsy ruffian, was the very refinement of cruelty. After that any calamity, probable or improbable, might be looked for. He ate a very late breakfast, and spent the rest of the afternoon in his arm-chair, smoking and brooding over the troubles which he foresaw. His horizon, in truth, was black with clouds such as might well make any man's ...
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