Page:London spy, or, The frauds of London described (2).pdf/13

(13) themſelves in practice.—The generous and unſuſpecting gentleman is often fleeced of his birth-right and inheritance, by entering into partnerſhip with the Sharper, who is artful and induſtrious in loſing to his aſſociates, and cheating the friend that intruſted him, who paid a regard to his inſtructions, thoroughly convinced of his pretended rectitude and honeſty.—The game being over, and the gentleman gone, the Sharpers divide the ſpoil amongſt them, and laugh at the inexperience and folly of the deluded, ending with, "He does not yet know life."—Some Sharpers, in high life, will invite their acquaintance and neighbours to dine or ſup with them, for no other purpoſe than to make them pay ſeverely for the treat, by propoſing a game at cards after ſupper; which is generally done by one of the accomplices, and agreed to by another: the maſter, upon theſe occcaſions, ſometimes, is left out, the better to carry on the deſign, and prevent ſuſpicion of foul play, or, at leaſt, of his having a hand in it at the time; that he ſometimes makes one, but generally loſes with every partner he egages, till the company are bankrupts, and the Sharpers the only gainers thereby. Many a round ſum is raiſed by them in this