There was tumbling and tossing, and pulling and shoving, mouths stuffed with hundreds, hundreds of mouths that were supperless, and likely to continue so, unless they could now make sure of something.
Bank paper was literally going for nothing.

However, the pistols being the most powerful, the armed forces succeeded in seizing the greatest share of the stock, and a negative sort of silence was at length restored.

The party was materially decreased; for, seeing they were betrayed, every one, after an endeavour to secure a share of the spoil, deemed it necessary to make good his retreat; and among the rest, our party, who had not interfered with the play, or assisted in the entertainment, soon found themselves in the street.
"Egad," said Sparkle, "I think we are in luck to escape so easily; we might have been compelled to make our appearance at Bow Street to-morrow, an occurrence I would studiously avoid." "Well done, old steady," said Tom; "it is not long, you know, since you was there, after a night's lodging in the neighbourhood." "That was under very different circumstances," continued Sparkle; "in defence of a woman I would risk my life at any time, but I would by no means incur the imputation of being a gambler--it is a character I abhor.

I have before said I would never venture into those dens again, to herd with swindlers of all descriptions." "They all seem gay fellows, too," said Bob.
"Yes," replied Sparkle; "but the character and conduct of a young man has ere now been altered in one night: the evil effects produced by initiation to those Hells are incalculable." "Moralizing at midnight," said Tom; "an excellent title for a volume _sparkling_ contemplations." ~202~~"To be written by the Hon.

Tom Dashall, or the Merry Devil of Piccadilly," was the reply.
"Huzza!" said Merrywell, "if this is the case, our time will not be lost in this excursion.