In the afternoon of the same day, as I was walking about, I went into a bookseller’s shop to ascertain whether there was any new work out.  I remained there without perceiving that the night had come, and on being told that the shop was going to be closed, I went out.  I had only gone a few yards when I was arrested by a patrol, the officer of which told me that, as I had no lantern and as eight o’clock had struck, his duty was to take me to the guardhouse.  It was in vain that I observed that, having arrived only in the afternoon, I could not know that order of the police.  I was compelled to follow him.

When we reached the guardhouse, the officer of the patrol introduced me to his captain, a tall, fine-looking young man who received me in the most cheerful manner.  I begged him to let me return to my hotel as I needed rest after my journey.  He laughed and answered, “No, indeed, I want you to spend a joyous night with me, and in good company.”  He told the officer to give me back my sword, and, addressing me again, he said, “I only consider you, my dear sir, as my friend and guest.”

I could not help being amused at such a novel mode of invitation, and I accepted it.  He gave some orders to a German soldier, and soon afterwards the table was laid out for four persons.  The two other officers joined us, and we had a very gay supper.  When the desert had been served the company was increased by the arrival of two disgusting, dissolute females.  A green cloth was spread over the table, and one of the officers began a faro bank.  I punted so as not to appear unwilling to join the game, and after losing a few sequins I went out to breathe the fresh air, for we had drunk freely.  One of the two females followed me, teased me, and finally contrived, in spite of myself, to make me a present which condemned me to a regimen of six weeks.  After that fine exploit, I went in again.

A young and pleasant officer, who had lost some fifteen or twenty sequins, was swearing like a trooper because the banker had pocketed his money and was going.  The young officer had a great deal of gold before him on the table, and he contended that the banker ought to have warned him that it would be the last game.

“Sir,” I said to him, politely, “you are in the wrong, for faro is the freest of games.  Why do you not take the bank yourself?”

“It would be too much trouble, and these gentlemen do not punt high enough for me, but if that sort of thing amuses you, take the bank and I will punt.”

“Captain,” I said, “will you take a fourth share in my bank?”

“Willingly.”

“Gentlemen, I beg you to give notice that I will lay the cards down after six games.”

I asked for new packs of cards, and put three hundred sequins on the table.  The captain wrote on the back of a card, “Good for a hundred sequins, O’Neilan,” and placing it with my gold I began my bank.

The young officer was delighted, and said to me,