I'm a rough customer, I expect, but I wouldn't do anything downright
mean. Ef you're goin' into this den, I'll go with you. I can't take
care of myself, but mayhap I can keep you out of danger."
"Thank you, sir."
So Ben and his new acquaintance entered the famous gambling-den. It
was handsomely furnished and decorated, with a long and gaily
appointed bar, while the mirrors, pictures, glass, and silverware
excited surprise, and would rather have been expected in an older
city. There were crowds at the counter, and crowds around the
tables, and the air was heavy with the odor of Chinese punk, which
was used for cigar-lights, The tinkle of silver coin was heard at
the tables, though ounces of gold-dust were quite as commonly used
in the games of chance.
"I suppose a good deal of money is won here?" said Ben, looking
around curiously.
"There's a good deal lost," said Ben's new acquaintance.
"Gentlemen, will you drink with me?" said a young man, with flushed
face, rising from a table near-by, both hands full of silver and
gold, "I've been lucky to-night, and it's my treat."
"I don't care if I do," said Ben's companion, with alacrity, and he
named his drink.
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