I like any game of chance, but I most enjoy taking part in a lottery. The lottery is 41 an unchanging religiousceremony, and it is perhaps this ritual quality of the lottery 42 people enjoy. Unlike other games of chance, alottery does not require a great deal of paraphernalia. The only equipment 43 is a bowl filled with slips of paper.I enjoy the excitement of watching the official pick the winning number. The moment before the drawing is veryserious. The judge gravely approaches the bowl and looks at the crowd soberly. The crowd is quiet 44 the lowmurmur of excitement. Suddenly the winner is selected. After the lottery is over, everyone but the winner throws awayhis or her piece of paper, and the 45 slips are soon blown away by the wind. People begin to disengagethemselves from the crowd and the lottery is over.