102 THE FIRST GLASS OF WINE;

GS CS

before, and he had some doubts about it,
himself, as he saw the men lounging about
the room. But he was a lively, thoughtless
boy, and soon became so much interested in’ .
watching the game that now took place, and
in listening to the conversation of the differ-
ent groups of lookers-on, that time glided
almost insensibly away. |
“ Try a roll yourself, Clare,” said Ben,
when all the others had played. <I think
you would be a good hand at it.” .
«No, I thank you,” said Clare. <*]I
never even saw the game before, and I
. don’t believe I could do any thing aa.
So the boys descended to the street again.
‘¢ Now come into that oyster cellar with
me,” said one of the strangers, who had. a
frank, good-natured face. <* I'll stand treat

for the whole, for the pleasure of your com-

pany.”