A JOKE'S A JOKE FOR A' TTIAT. (17 



in to say that, if the Sahibs were prepared, dinner 

 was ready to be served. 



After awhile Mackenzie became calmer ; and, 

 drawing a face of unnatural gravity, began his 

 narrative, which was, however, interrupted by 

 another fit, as he feebly ejaculated, "The little 

 dancing fellow will kill me." 



" Don't be so selfish, Mac," said Norman. " Here 

 are Hawkes and myself quite prepared to be good 

 listeners, and you won't indulge us. Control your 

 feelings, and get safely delivered of your joke, or 

 we won't wait to hear it." 



"Well, so I want to. It's very inhuman my 

 laughing so, for it was no joke at all for the poor 

 little devil. But I can't help it, and I believe he 

 will have his revenge in making me break a blood- 

 vessel. But I am quite exhausted. Do, Hawkes, 

 like a good fellow, brew a mug." 



The mug was brewed ; and Mac, having at 

 length prepared himself, ordered dinner. During 

 the meal, he found himself sufficiently recovered to 

 narrate his adventures, though not without some 

 relapses. 



" Isn't it a nuisance,'' he said, " I lost such a 

 whopping bear ? " 



" A bear ? What, is he the cause of the 

 laughter?" 



