ALL FAIR ABOVE BOARD.

The game of "loo" is a favourite one among the persons employed in the management of iron works in the Black Country. There, too, as in other places, are found men of whom better things should be expected, entering into plans by which the unsuspecting may be fleeced. At one of the most extensive works near Dudley, the proprietor was one of the first to "shave" any stranger that might be so unlucky as to fall in his way. Among the principal victims was the subject of this article, known by the sobriquet of Patch-coat. This name he took from the fact that large patches of different colours covered the principal part of his coat, or, what had been a coat. Patch-coat was the butt of the day; and Patch-coat, at loo, was the victim at night. Several months had the party fed themselves at the expense of Patch-coat. Patch-coat was such an one as would naturally make a man suspicion him for "knowing a thing or two, providing he could think of it." But the time had now come for some evidence of his sagacity to be put forth.

Mr. M..., the owner of the works, and some others of the same stamp, rough fellows who had risen from the pick and hammer, had learned that Patch-coat was in funds; and accordingly that night Mr. M... declared to him he would have a jintlemanly game of loo at the parlour of Mr. O 'Donoho. Patch-coat gave his consent to make one of the party. At the hour appointed, the party met—five in number. Patch-coat had a hundred pounds; and the gentlemen knew it. The game commenced at dusk ; and soon a large amount was on the board. Patch-coat had stood his hand for several "deals," by which means he subjected Mr. M— and his party to a severe loss. M... was much excited, and offered to bet two fifty pounds that he would "loo the board." Patch-coat signified as though his antagonist had better not banter too much ; for, if he did, there was no knowing what might occur. M... still boasted upon the honour of an Irish jintleman (his grandfather had been a Cork pig-jobber in no large way) that he could bate any man that wore patches on his coat, that would play his game; and that was the jintlemanly game, trusting to the cards for the first three tricks. About this time Patch-coat noticed the honest Mr. M... drop three cards, and before the deal, proffered to "bate any gintleman prisent, if clubs were trumps, and that he would 'loo the board.' "

Patch-coat gave him a significant look, as much as to say, "Don't push the banter at me too hard," at the same time casting a wistful look at the money on the table, which had increased to a hundred or more. He remarked, "Mr. M..., I will try you a fifty pound bet that you don't win the first loo, if clubs comes tramps." "Down with your brads," said M..., " before the dealer turns trump." Patch-coat drew from his pocket the money, and placed it on the table. Mr. M... followed. In. the mean time, Patch-coat gently raised the three cards from Mr. M...'s lap, and substituted the three given him by the dealer thereon. This was done without the slightest suspicion of foul play from M..., or the O'Donoho  party. The trump was turned, and showed itself a club. Here the eyes of M... brightened, as well as those of Patch-coat. "It's meself that stands," said Mr. M... , striking his hand upon the table, and, at the same time, cautiously taking from his lap the three cards. "I stand, too," said Patch-coat. "You're a brave lad, Patch-coat," was the quick response of Mr. M..., laughing at the same time at what he supposed would be the result.  "It is your first draw, Mr. M...," said the dealer. "How many will you take ?" 

"And sure it's mesilf that will stand, on the faith of the trump, that I am bountifully supplied." "I will stand, too," said Patch-coat. "I think this hand will answer my purpose this time. So, Mr. M..., give us a lead." "Thin play to that, my lad," said Mr. M..., at the same time throwing from his hand a card, which fell face upward, and proved to be a diamond. There and then the scene changed. The astounded M...'s eyes opened, as it were, to the magnitude of saucers, as Patch-coat played the ace, king, and queen of clubs, and gracefully pulled over the stakes. Mr. M... sprang quickly to his feet, and as soon as he could give utterance, said, "Jintlemen! I'll quot! There's chating about the boord. I sat downhere to play a jintleman's game." Patch-coat gathered up the cash, and left Mr. M— and the trio to settle their losses.  

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