smallest possible limit."

"True! O wise Peter, you speak as if you were quoting the head line of a copy book."

"The greatest discoveries of all ages have been treated in a similar manner. Sneer away. It is quite true, though; I have found a system which reduces the risk to the minimum, and puts you on all but a level position with the banker."

"Double or quits, I suppose."

"Nothing of the kind; quite a new idea. The St. Leger is approaching."

"So is Christmas."

"But the St. Leger means Doncaster, stupid, and Doncaster implies roulette in the subscription rooms, and—breaking the bank."

"Oh, I see now why you are in full practice—getting off superfluous flesh and laying on muscle."

"Yes; and I want you and Fred Somers to join me in the speculation. A pile of money might easily be made. Draw your chair, take the slate, and I will condescend to show you—which is more than you deserve—how the thing is done."

[Pg 17]

[Pg 17]

The system when worked out, was really ingenious, and was not devoid of merit. It was imperative that there should not be the slightest deviation from a particular plan of operation. The human being became a simple calculating machine, and his judgment was dispensed with. And it had the charm of simplicity. With pardonable curiosity you wish to know the particulars of Peter Dodd's infallible system, but I shall not gratify your desire, as it might lead to your ruin.

After many trials of the system and much deliberation, Dodd, Somers, and myself arranged to go to Doncaster. Our available capital was lumped together, and shared equally. We were to play independently of each other, and compare notes when the night's work was finished. Owing to the action of the police at a later period, gambling in the subscription rooms is no longer permitted, but when Marquis won the St. Leger for Mr. Hawke and John Scott it was in full vogue. We had a successful day on the race-course, and were in excellent spirits and anxious to set about breaking the bank.

There must have been something good in Dodd's system, because we managed to play without being entirely "broke" from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m., but casting up accounts at the latter hour was not an 

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