150 PUNCH. 



might speedily be changed into anger at 

 our rash and indecent intrusion. The 

 company consisted chiefly of dockyard 

 mechanics, " their sweethearts and spouses," 

 always a formidable body, and ready to 

 resent any such impudent and out- 

 rageous innovation on their evening's 

 amusement. 



Nevertheless, preserving my presence of 

 mind, I very deliberately dismounted, and 

 taking hold of the mare's bridle, with a 

 soldier's step, caused her to keep pace with 

 me down the rude and ruinous staircase 

 we had but a few minutes before recklessly 

 ascended. The sergeant-major following 

 my example, was equally successful in 

 gaining the road in safety, and our 

 dangerous frolic ended in treating the 

 whole assembly with sundry bowls of 

 punch (we were none of us niggards 

 on such occasions), which seemed to 

 allay the pugnacious spirit of some of 

 the party, who had evinced a strong 



