MY FLUTE Shipton, or some terrific animal. In a large piece of water, facing the tea alcoves, large fish, or mermaids, were showing themselves above the surface. This queer spectacle was first kept by a famous mechanist, who had been employed at one of the winter theatres, there being then but two. Mx FLUTE. Previous to Newmarket Races, the younger brothers of Lord Barrymore-Cripplegate, and Newgate-if much com pany were assembled at table, after dinner, made a general sale, and put up to auction anything of value they had got from any one on trust, to "raise the wind" for their intended race speculation. But on one occasion, to add to the resources of the youngest, unfortunately I was his jackal, to furnish him the needful. As the flute at that time was my favourite instrument, I occasionally accompanied his sister, Lady Mel fort, who played on the pianoforte. Having left my flute at the house, a valuable one to me, with many keys, the next day it disappeared, and with it the young gentleman of the turf; nor did I hear what became of it for above a year after. A German, who called himself "Joe, the Conjurer," an adept at all games of cards (four-berie), and an instructor to those rooks who are upon the daily look out for pigeons, at all times was welcome to the Adelphi, they having been his worthy pupils. Joe had remarkably long hair, of which he was proud to sport a long queue, which, after inebriating him with brandy, the two hopefuls cut off, and threw out of window. Joe threatened to go to Bow Street, and make an exposure- he had taught them to cheat at cards, which he refused to conceal; a douceur only could prevail on him, after his loss 75
