148 



MB. SPONGE'S SPORTING TOUR. 



time I see him. Consider, too, you said you'd let meoff if I sarved 

 out Sponge ; and I'm sure I did my best. I led him over some 

 awful places, and then what a ducking I got ! My ears are full of 

 water still," added he, laying his head on one side to try to run it out. 



"You did well," observed Lord Scamperdale — "you did well, and 

 I fully intended to let you off, but then I didn't know what a beggar 

 I had to deal with. Come, say you'll go, that's a good fellow." 



" Couldn't" replied Jack, squinting frightfully. 



" You'll oblige me," observed Lord Scamperdale. 



"Ah, well, I'd do anything to oblige your lordship," replied 

 Jack, thinking of the corner in the will. " I'd do anything to 

 oblige your lordship ; but the fact is, sir, I'm not prepared to go. 

 I've lost my specs — I've got no swell clothes — I can't go in the 

 Stunner tartan," added he, eyeing his backgammon-board-looking 

 chest, and diving his hands into the capacious pockets of his 

 shooting-jacket. 



" I'll manage all that," replied his lordship ; " I've got a pair of 

 splendid silver-mounted spectacles in the Indian cabinet in the 

 drawing-room, that I've kept to be married in. I'll lend them to 

 you, and there's no saying but you may captivate Miss Jawleyford 



GOOD 2UGHT ! 



in them. Then as to clothes, there's my new damson-coloured 

 velvet Avaistcoat with the steel buttons, and my fine blue coat with 

 the velvet collar, silk facings, and our button on it ; altogether I'll 

 rig you out and make you such a swell as there's no saying but 

 Miss Jawleyford'll offer to you, by way of consoling herself for the 

 loss of Sponge." 





