Summary

The narrator quickly finds work as a cigar roller but within a few weeks he is too bored – and too tired from late night gambling – to continue so he quits to become a full-time gambler. He visits the “Club” as often as he gambles, staying up until four or six in the morning. He loses a lot of money through gambling, but is fortunate enough to find additional income through playing piano at the “Club.” He becomes so adept at playing ragtime that he eventually becomes known as the best ragtime-player in New York. His unique style of ragtime is influenced by his classical training. He catches the attention of a young millionaire who asks him to perform at an exclusive engagement at his home. At the engagement, he plays classical music to a well-to-do group of men and women. But once dinner is...