Читать книгу Charles Peace, or The Adventures of a Notorious Burglar онлайн

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He was not adapted for it—​neither did it suit him; but there is an old saying, “When at Rome do as Rome does.” Peace was mindful of this, and gave himself all the airs and graces of a high-born patrician.

An hour or two passed over, during which period Mr. Kempshead lounged on the sofa, puffed his fragrant weed, and partook of a cup of black coffee.

“Now, then, what shall us boys go in for?” he said, addressing himself to Peace.

“I’m in your hands, and leave the matter to your disposal,” returned the latter.

“Very good—​so be it. In the first place, old fellow, I want to introduce you to a little drum, which is not far from here. It’s a club I belong to—​the members are a jolly lot of fellows. By the by, do you play?”

“Do I what?”

“Do you play—​gamble?”

“At present that is not one of my accomplishments.

“Surprised at that. Every fellow does that sort of thing nowadays. Couldn’t get through the world, you know, without doing something in the betting or gambling line. Still, you’ve no occasion to play unless you like. There’s no harm in looking on.”