MB. SPONGE'S SPORTING TOUR, 407 



" It was quite a thaw where I came from," observed Cheek, 

 half to Sir Harry and half to the huntsman. 



" 'Deed, sir, 'deed," replied Mr. Watchorn, with a chuck of his 

 fringed chin, "it generally is a thaw everywhere but where hounds 

 meet," 



"My uncle Jellvboy wouldn't be stopped by such a frost as 

 tlnV observed Cheek. 



" 'Deed, sir, 'deed," replied Watchorn, " your uncle Jellyboy's a 

 very fine feller, I dare say, — very fine feller ; no such conjurors in 

 these parts as he is. What man dare, I dare ; he who dares more, 

 is no man," added Watchorn, giving his fat thigh a hearty slap. 



" Well done, old Talliho ! " exclaimed Miss Glitters. " We'll 

 have you on the stage next." 



" What will you wet your whistle with after your fine speech ? " 

 asked Lady Scattercash. 



" Take a tumbler of chumpine, if there is any," replied 

 Watchorn, looking about for a long-necked bottle. 



" Fear you'll come on badly," observed Captain Seedeybuck, 

 holding up an empty one, " for Bouncey and I have just finished 

 the last ; " the captain chucking the bottle sideways on to the floor, 

 and rolling it towards its companions in the corner. 



" Have a fresh bottle," suggested Lady Scattercash, drawing 

 the bell-string at her chair. 



" Champagne," said her ladyship, as the footman answered the 

 summons. 



" Two on 'em ! " exclaimed Captain Bouncey. 



" Three ! " shouted Sir Harry. 



" We'll have a regular set-to," observed Miss Howard, who was 

 fond of champagne. 



" New-Year'sDay," replied Bouncey, " and ought to be properly 

 observed." 



Presently, Fiz — z, — pop, — bang ! Fiz — z, — pop, — bang ! went 

 the bottles ; and, as the hissing beverage foamed over the bottle- 

 necks, glasses were sought and held out to catch the creaming 

 contents. 



" Here's a (hiccup) happy new year to us all ! " exclaimed Sir 

 Harry, drinking off his wine. 



" H-o-o-ray ! " exclaimed the company in irregular order, as 

 they drank off theirs. 



" We'll drink Mr. Watchorn and the Nonsuch hounds ! " 

 exclaimed Bob Spangles, as Watchorn, having drained off his 

 tumbler, replaced it on the sideboard. 



" With all the honours ! " exclaimed Captain Cutitfat, filling 

 his glass and rising to give the time ; " Watchorn, your good 

 health ! " " Watchorn, your good health ! " " Watchorn, your 

 good health!" sounded from all parts, which Watchorn kept 



