156 Sporting Sketches 



possibilities of a jolly day on the heaving breast of 

 Old Atlantic. He further explained that he would 

 start early in the afternoon to make sure that every- 

 thing was all right, while we could take an evening 

 train at our leisure. He would meet us at Ham- 

 mil's Station, on the big trestle, and there was no 

 need to bother about tackle, as everything would be 

 ready. 



It had been an extraordinary season, and the 

 second day of October appeared like an estray from 

 August. When we reached our destination, we 

 presently found a very fair hotel of its kind and an 

 excellent dinner of any kind. After that came a 

 chat over the cigars, which Harry endeavored to 

 cut short. 



"Wasting valuable time be invaluable first 

 thing you know ! " 



" Read him the riot act," chuckled Hill, and I did, 

 part of the argument being the magnificent night, 

 good cigars, and pleasant company. Moreover, 

 each man's money was still in his pocket, while 

 sleep was a grand thing for men who had to arise 

 before the sun. 



" My money ain't still in my pocket," growled the 

 incorrigible, nor was it, for we could distinctly hear 

 the jingle as he turned it over. The sound sug- 

 gested quarters, dimes, and nickels galore the 

 rascal had prepared for any emergency! 



Now, I'm no immortal George, so the reader may 

 grub up the root of the cherry tree, or not, as he 

 prefers. Within an hour each man was in his room. 

 Mine had two big windows, thrdligh which the lazy 

 breath of the ocean passed at will. As I lay enjoy- 



