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Show 210 PERSONAL ADVENTUltES in this nice calculation consists the real skill of the game-the little there is in it; though, where so much trickery is carried on, the most superior judgment will be often at fault. The "Golden Eagle" (l'Aguila d'Oro) is another gambling establishment, situated in one of the streets leading into the Plaza. It is a canvass house, about fifty feet square, fitted up with the requisites for play, and let out by the proprietor at the rate of fifteen hundred dollars a month. Every available spot around the tables was crowded to in· convenience by persons who were engaged deeply in the game, the majority stand· ing up and watching the chances with countenances betokening the greatest excite· ment. I took particular interest in one of the players, a Spaniard, very poorly dressed, but who was betting at the rate of from twenty to forty ounces at a time. It was almost edifying to witness the equanimity with which, amidst the general excitement, he lost his money. He played at monte until he was relieved of IN CALIFORNIA. 211 all his ready cash, when he turned away ' laughing, and went over to a roulette-table, of which I subsequently ascertained he was the proprietor. He made a few turns at it; but, finding he could not attract a customer, proceeded to borrow some money of a friend, with which he returned to the monte-table. He staked eight ounces on the " cavallo," a face-card, representing a female on a horse, and which we call the "Queen," and doubled his venture the first deal. The Spaniard swept up his gains with a smile ; the dealer looked as cool as ice in autumn, called for liquor and cigars, and laid out anew. The "Queen" once more fell out; and the Spaniard, faithful to his colours, betted in her favour again, but barred the door. The ''seven of clubs" was in the door, and the roulette man took back his money. Not so many others, who, less cautious, lost large sums. The play continued, and the Spaniard • 0 mvanably won, until all the gold that had been in the centre of the table was ranged by h' 0 Is Side: it might have a1nounted to several |