the cigar account. I think you take a game of billiards now and then." "Certainly I do. Billiards are innocent. I am very fond of the game, and must have some recreation." "Exactly so. The question now is, What do they cost?" "Nothing to speak of. You can't make out a case here." "We shall see. How often do you play?" "Two or three times a week." "Say twice a week." "Yes." "Very well. Let it be twice. A shilling a game must be paid for use of the table?" "Which comes from the loser's pocket. I, generally, make it a point to win." "But lose sometimes." "Of course. The winning is rarely all on one side." "One or two games a night?" "Sometimes." "Suppose we put down an average loss of three games in a week. Will that be too high?" "No. Call it three games a week." "Or, as to expense. three shillings. Then, after the play, there comes a glass of ale--or, it may be oysters." "Usually." "Will two shillings at week, taking one week with another, pay for your ale and oysters?" Hoffman did not answer until he had reflected for a few moments, Then he said,-- "I'm afraid neither two nor four shillings will cover this item. We must set it down at six."