30 Hn7iting in the Golden Days. 



contest in the Haymarket. A grand old bird he was. 

 I have a painting of him in the hall." 



" Yes," says Oldwig, " we have not the same strain 

 that we had ; they don't fight with the same vigour and 

 perseverance ; if we could only get back some of the 

 same sort, we should be able to make a pot of money." 



Talk and jokes and laughter are at their height, when 

 suddenly there is a call for silence. This is immediately 

 gained for the would-be speaker, who is no other than 

 our friend, Mr. Oldwig. He proposes the chief toast 

 of the evening in the following terms : 



" Ladies and Gentlemen, — It is with great pleasure 

 that I rise this evening to propose the health of my 

 dear old friend, Sir John. (Cries of No, no, not old.) 

 We were boys together at school, and have hunted in 

 this county since that date. How long ago that is I 

 will not say, for I have arrived at that time of life 

 when, like young ladies, I am squeamish about 

 mentioning dates. We all know what a good sports- 

 man he is, how keen he is to hounds, and that his purse 

 is always forthcoming when required for the promotion 

 of sport or to alleviate distress. (Cries of Hear, hear, 

 uproarious applause, and great jingling of glasses.) I 

 do not wish to make a long speech, gentlemen, but I 

 think upon an occasion like the present, I may, perhaps, 

 be permitted to say one thing more — and that is, may 

 Sir John be with us many years to participate in the 

 pleasures of the chase, and to prove himself a bene- 

 factor to the neighbourhood as he has always been." 

 Then, turning to Sir John, the speaker continues : 

 " On behalf of all the friends whom you are so 

 hospitably entertaining here to-night, I have much 

 pleasure, Sir, in presenting you with this little token of 

 our affection and esteem." With this the speechmaker 



