180 LEAVES FROM A GAME BOOK. 



rose to his feet, thereby concentrating all attention 

 on himself, while in loud tones he continued, " Look 

 here, sir, if you would like to see an exhibition of 

 what a really active man can do in the way of leaping, 

 I'll bet you a couple of bottles of whiskey, to be 

 drunk by the company present, that I'll find you a 

 man in this very room who shall jump through the 

 open door there and touch the top of it with his foot 

 as he goes through and yet not fall." 



Here the speaker turned to one of his friends and 

 gave him a look which was tantamount to saying, 

 " You can do that easily enough, can't you ? " 



Then resuming his speech, he wound up by saying 

 as he banged his fist on the table — "And, by George, 

 if he doesn't do it, he shall pay forfeit." 



The sceptical gentleman at once took the bet, first 

 stipulating it should be put down in black and white, 

 which being duly done, it was read out to the whole 

 company, who all declared the terms were clear and 

 unmistakable. Now, reader, I am wondering if you have 

 been sharper than any of us were, and so discovered the 



