ME. SPONGE'S SPOETING TOUR. 275 



" Done ! " exclaimed Parson Blossomnnse. 



" I'll bet it does," observed Charley Slapp. 



" I'll take you," replied Mr. Miller. 



Then the hubbub of betting commenced, and raged with fury 

 for a short time ; some betting sovereigns, some half-sovereigns, 

 others half-crowns and shillings, as to whether the hands of one 

 or both held money. 



Givers and takers being at length accommodated, perfect silence 

 at length reigned, and all eyes turned upon the doubled fists of 

 the respective champions. 



Jack having adjusted his great tortoiseshell-rimmed spectacles, 

 and put on a most consequential air, inquired, like a gambling-house 

 keeper, if they were "All done" — had all "made their game ?" 

 And " Yes ! yes ! yes ! " resounded from all quarters. 



"Then, gen'lemen," said Jack, addressing Pacey and Sponge, 

 who still kept their closed hands on the table — " show ! " 



At the word, their hands opened, and each held money. 



" A deal ! a deal ! a deal ! " resounded through the room, 

 accompanied with clapping of hands, thumping of the table, and 

 dancing of glasses. " You owe me a guinea," exclaimed one. " I 

 want half a sovereign of you," roared another. " Here's my half- 

 crown," said a third, handing one across the table to the fortunate 

 winner. A general settlement took place, in the midst of which 

 the " watch and appurts " were handed to Mr. Sponge. 



_ " We'll drink Mr. Pacey's health," said Mr. Puffington helping 

 himself to a bumper, and passing the lately replenished decanters. 

 " He's done the thing like a sportsman, and deserves to have luck 

 with his deal. Your good health, Mr. Pacey ! " continued he, 

 addressing himself specifically to ' our friend, " and luck to your 

 horse." 



" Your good health, Mr. Pacey — your good health Mr. Pacey — 

 your good health, Mr. Pacey," then followed in the various intona- 

 tions that mark the feelings of the speaker towards the ioastee, as 

 the bottles passed round the table. 



The excitement seemed to have given fresh zest to the wine, and 

 those who had been shirking, or rilling' on heel-taps, now began 

 filling bumpers, while those Avho always filled bumpers now took 

 back hands. 



There is something about horse-dealing that seems to interest 

 every one. Conversation took a brisk turn, and nothing but the 

 darkness of the night prevented their having the horse out and 

 trying him. Pacey wanted him brought into the dining-room, d 

 la Briggs, but Puff wouldn't stand that. The transfer seemed to 

 have invested the animal with supernatural charms, and those who 

 in general cared nothing about horses wanted to have a sight of 

 him. 



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