I have given that up altogether.

I used to gamble, but I never do that now, and never shall again.

What I mean is this,--that I hold myself in readiness to risk everything at any moment, in order to gain any object that may serve my turn.

I am always ready to lead a forlorn hope.

That's what I mean by tossing up every day for every shilling that I have." Alice did not quite understand him, and perhaps he did not intend that she should.