The old story is constantly repeating itself since the Homeric days.

Duels were fought betimes as a consequence, and the issue for one or both of the combatants was generally fatal.

Gambling in those days was, from a worldly stand-point, the most profitable business, that is for the professional player or the saloon-keeper.

Indeed it was looked upon as quite respectable.

It has a strange fascination at all times for a certain class, with whom it becomes a passion as much as love for the wine-cup, and one must be well grounded in principle to resist its influences.