But how different is the proof! He goes on--his new made wings carry him through a region of delight, and he believes himself to possess the powers of the eagle--still lighter he ascends, and the solid earth on which he formerly trod in safety, recedes immeasurably from his giddy eye--at length his wings prove wax, they melt before the sun, and the victim of his own folly tumbles into the abyss of destruction.
It is no uncommon thing, nay, we will positively declare it to be a very frequent practice of these misled young men, when they have been initiated, and have the temporary command of money belonging to their employers, to go to the Rouge et Noir tables, armed (as they think) with impenetrable armour--a large sum; and, in the hope of profiting to a certain amount, risk that property, the loss of which would be the loss of every thing dear to them in society.

They believe, from the greatness of the amount they possess, that they can command a small gain, and not for a moment doubt they will be able to replace or return the money entrusted to their care; but little do they know the fickleness of luck, and less do they suspect the odds and imposing roguery arrayed against them.

Their first loss is trifling, but they have to win that back iu addition to their expected profits; for this purpose they stake a larger sum, which, if they lose, increases their task, and so on, until the half-frantic victims see no hope but desperation, and their remaining stock is placed upon the chance of a single card.

The event closes, and the man who yesterday enjoyed the good opinion of the world, and the esteem and confidence of his friends, to-day becomes the veriest outcast of society! These are common cases, one of which, for example, we will describe as the facts occurred:--In the year 1816, a Clerk, possessing the highest reputation, became a frequenter of a Rouge et Noir table.

From the nature of his employment, he had daily the command of large sums, which, for a short time, he risked at play successfully.