other hand, whatever he gains is a
matter of direct loss and sorrow to others without any tangible
equivalent. It is not so with the orator or the musician. Though their
products are not indeed tangible they are distinctly real and valuable.
During the hour of action the orator charms the ear, eye, and intellect.
So does the musician. When the hour is past the heart is gladdened by
the memory of what has been, and the hopes are aroused in anticipation
of what may yet be in the future. As regards the orator, the lessons
inculcated may be a lasting gain and pleasure, and source of widespread
benefit through life. To a great extent this may also be said of the
musician when words are wedded to music. Who has not heard of souls
being delivered from spiritual darkness and brought into spiritual light
by means of song?--a benefit which will last through eternity as well as
time. Even the man of wealth who lives on the interest of his
possessions is not necessarily a drone in the human hive. He may, by
wise and careful use of his wealth, greatly increase the world's riches.
By the mere management of it he may fill up his days with useful and
happy employment, and by devoting it and himself to God he may so
influence the world for good that men shall bless him while he lives and
mourn him profoundly when he dies. But what fraction of good is done by
the gambler in all the wide world?"

"Much the same that is accomplished by the others," put in Sharp at this
point. "The orator gives pleasure to those who are fond of recitation
or declamation; the musician pleases those who are fond of sweet sounds,
and the gambler gives pleasure to men who are fond of the excitement of
play. Besides, by paying his way he gives benefit to all whom he
employs. He rents a house, he buys furniture, he eats food, all of
which brings profit to house-owners, cabinet-makers, butchers, bakers,
etcetera, and is good done to the world by the gambler."

"Nay, friend Richard, not by the gambler, but by the money which the
gambler spends."

"Isn't that much the same thing?"

"By no means. The money--or its equivalent--is created by some one
else. The gambler merely passes it on. If he had never been born the
same money would have been there for some one else to spend. The labour
of the gambler has not added one penny to it. He brought nothing into
the world, and has added nothing to the world's pile, though he has
managed to consume a go