44 MR. sponge's sporting tour. 



parties who never spoke to each other, by adroit go-betweens report- 

 ing to each what the other said, or, perhaps did not say, but what the 

 " go-betweens " knew would so rouse the British lion as to make each 

 ride to destruction if necessary. 



" He's a varmint-looking chap," observed Mr. "Waffles, as the 

 party returned from the railway station ; " shouldn't wonder if he can 

 go — dare say he'll try — shouldn't wonder if he's floored — awfully 

 stiff country this for horses thai are not used to it — most likely his 

 are Leicestershire nags, used to fly — won't do here. If he attempts 

 to take some of our big banked bullfinches in his stride, with a 

 yawner on each side, will get into grief." 



" Hang him," interrupted Caingey Thornton, " there are good 

 men in all countries." 



" So there are ! " exclaimed Mr. Spareneck, the steeple-chase 

 rider. 



" I've no notion of a fellow lording it, because he happens to come 

 out of Leicestershire," rejoined Mr. Thornton. 



" .Nor I ! " exclaimed Mr. Spareneck. 



" Why doesn't he stay in Leicestershire ? " asked Mr. Hoppey, 

 now raising his voice for the first time — adding, " Who asked him 

 here ? " 



" Who, indeed ? " sneered Mr. Thornton. 



In this mood our friends arrived at the Imperial Hotel, where 

 there was always a dinner the day before hunting — a dinner that, 

 somehow, was served up in Mr. Waffles' rooms, who was allowed the 

 privilege of paying for all those who did not pay for themselves ; 

 rather a considerable number, we believe. 



The best of everything being good enough for the guests, and 

 profuse liberality the order of the day, the cloth generally disappeared 

 before a contented audience, whatever humour they might have sat 

 down in. As the least people can do who dine at an inn and don't 

 pay their own shot, is to drink the health of the man who does pay, 

 Mr. Waffles was always lauded and applauded to the skies — such a 

 master — such a sportsman — such knowledge — such science — such a 

 pattern-card. On this occasion the toast was received with extra 

 enthusiasm, for the proposer, Mr. Caingey Thornton, who was des- 

 perately in want of a mount, after going the rounds of the old lauda- 

 tory course, alluded to the threatened vapourings of the stranger, and 

 expressed his firm belief that he would " meet with his match," a 

 " taking of the bull by the horns," that met with very considerable 

 favour from the wine-flushed party, the majority of whom, at that 

 moment, made very " small," in their own minds, of the biggest fence 

 that ever was seen. 



There is nothing so easy as going best pace over the mahogany. 



Mr. Waffles, who was received with considerable applause, and 

 patting of the table, responded to the toast in his usual felicitous 



