364 THE STEAM EXCURSION. 



slightly glanced at the principles laid down by the Athenian law- 

 givers ; and concluded with a most glowing eulogium on pic-nics and 

 constitutional rights. Mr. Alexander Briggs opposed the motion. 

 He had the highest esteem for Mr. Percy Noakes as an individual, 

 but he did consider that he ought not to be entrusted with these im- 

 mense powers (oh, oh !) He believed that in the proposed capacity, 

 Mr. Percy Noakes would not act fairly, impartially, or honourably ; 

 but he begged it to be distinctly understood, that he said this with- 

 out the slightest personal disrespect. Mr. Hardy defended his 

 honourable friend, in a voice rendered partially unintelligible by 

 emotion and brandy-and-water ; the proposition was put to the vote, 

 and there appearing to be only one dissentient voice, Mr. Percy 

 Noakes was declared duly elected, and took the chair accordingly. 



The business of the meeting now proceeded with great rapidity. 

 The chairman delivered in his estimate of the probable expense of 

 the excursion, and every one present subscribed his proportion there- 

 of. The question was put that " The Endeavour" be hired for the 

 occasion ; Mr. Alexander Briggs moved as an amendment that the 

 word "Fly" be substituted for the word "Endeavour;" but after 

 some debate consented to withdraw his opposition. The important 

 ceremony of balloting then commenced. A tea-caddy was placed on 

 a table in a dark corner of the apartment, and every one was pro- 

 vided with two backgammon-men, one black and one white. 



The chairman with great solemnity then read the following list of 

 the guests whom he proposed to introduce : Mrs. Taunton and two 

 daughters, Mr. Wizzle, Mr. Simson. The names were respectively 

 balloted for, and Mrs. Taunton and daughters were declared to be 

 black-balled. Mr. Percy Noakes and Mr. Hardy exchanged glances. 



" Is your list prepared, Mr. Briggs?" inquired the chairman, with 

 all the dignity of a minor Manners Sutton. 



" It is," replied Alexander, delivering in the following : " Mrs. 

 Briggs and three daughters, Mr. Samuel Briggs." The previous 

 ceremony was repeated, and Mrs. Briggs and three daughters were 

 declared to be black-balled. Mr. Alexander Briggs looked rather 

 foolish, and the remainder of the company appeared somewhat over- 

 awed by the mysterious nature of the proceedings. 



The balloting proceeded ; but one little circumstance which Mr. 

 Percy Noakes had not originally foreseen, prevented the system 

 working quite as well as he had anticipated every body was black- 

 balled. Mr. Alexander Briggs by way of retaliation exercised his 

 power of exclusion in every instance, and the result was, that after 

 three hours had been consumed in incessant balloting, the names of 

 only three gentlemen were found to have been agreed to. In this 

 dilemma what was to be done ? either the whole plan must fall to 

 the ground, or a compromise must be effected. The latter alternative 

 was preferable j and Mr. Percy Noakes, therefore, proposed that the 

 form of balloting should be dispensed with, and that every gentleman 

 should merely be required to state whom he intended to bring. The 

 proposal was readily acceded to ; the Tauntons and the Briggs's were 

 reinstated, and the party was formed. The next Wednesday was 

 fixed for the eventful day, and it was unanimously resolved that 



