IN ENGLAND AGAIN 299

by the Temple, which, though not so bad as it used to be,
is still an abode of dangerous rogues. But more likely you
may meet him at the taverns in Westminster or near
Whitehall; for if he has means to dress himself bravely it is
there he will most readily pick up gulls. I will, with your
permission, take you to the better sort to begin with, and
then when you have got more accustomed to the ways of
these places you can go to those a step lower, where, I should
think, he is more likely to be found; for such fellows spend
their money freely when they get it, and unless they man-
age to fleece some young lamb from the country, they soon
find themselves unable to keep pace with the society of
places where play runs high, and men call for their bottles
freely. Besides, in such places, when they become unable
to spend money freely they soon get the cold shoulder from
the host, who cares not to see the money that should be
spent on feasting and wine diverted into the pockets of
others. 1 shall leave you at the door of these places; I am
too well known to enter. I put my hand on the shoulder
of too many men during the year for me to go into any
society without the risk of some one knowing me again.”

‘They accordingly made their way down to Westminster,
and Charlie visited several taverns. At each he called for
wine, and was speedily accosted by one or more men, who
perceived that he was a stranger, and scented booty. He
stated freely that he had just come up to town, and intended
to stay some short time there. He allowed himself to be
persuaded to enter the room where play was going on, but
declined to join, saying that as yet he was ignorant of the
ways of town, and must see a little more of them before he
ventured his money, but that when he felt more at home he
should be ready enough to join in a game of dice or cards,
being considered a good hand at both. After staying at
each place about half an hour he made his way out, getting
rid of his would-be friends with some little difficulty, and
with a promise that he would come again ere long.