40 MB. SPONGE'S SPOUTING TOUR. 



" Indeed," observed Tom, with a twinkle of his little bright 

 eyes. 



" I tell you what, Tom," observed Mr. Waffles, " we must sarve 

 him out, somehow." 



" Oh ! he'll sarve hissel' out, in all probability," replied Tom ; 

 carelessly adding, " these boastin' chaps always do." 



" Couldn't we contrive something," asked Mr. Waffles, " to draw 

 him out ? " 



Tom was silent. He was a hunting huntsman, not a riding 

 one. 



" Have a glass of something," said Mr. Waffles, again appealing 

 to the Fox's head. 



" Thank you, sir, I've had a glass," replied Tom, sinking the 

 second one. 



" What will you have ? " asked Mr. Waffles. 



" Port, if you please," replied Tom. 



" Here it is," rejoined Mr. Waffles, again handing him the 

 measure. 



Up went the cup, over went the contents ; but Tom set it down 

 with a less satisfied face than before. He had had enough. The 

 left leg prop, too, gave way, and he was nearly toppling on the 

 table. 



Having got a chair for the dilapidated old man, they again 

 essayed to get him into their line with better success than before. 

 Having plied him well with port, they now plied him well with 

 the stranger, and what with the one and the other, and a glass or 

 two of brandy-and-water, Tom became very tractable, and it was 

 ultimately arranged that they should have a drag over the very 

 stiffest parts of the country, wherein all who liked should take 

 part, but that Mr.Caingey Thornton and Mr. Spareneck should be 

 especially deputed to wait upon Mr. Sponge, and lead him into 

 mischief. Of course it was to be a "profound secret," and 

 equally, of course, it stood a good chance of being kept, seeing how 

 many were in it, the additional number it would have to be com- 

 municated to before it could be carried out, and the happy state 

 old Tom was in for arranging matters. Nevertheless, our friends 

 at the " Imperial " congratulated themselves on their success ; and 

 after a few minutes spent in discussing old Tom on his with- 

 drawal, the party broke up, to array themselves in the splendid 

 dress uniform of the " Hunt," to meet again at Miss Jumpheavy's 

 ball. 



