MR. sponge's sporting tour. 261 



length reigned, and all eyes turned upon the doubled fists of the 

 respective champions. 



Jack having adjusted his great tortoise-shell-rimmed spectacles, 

 and put on a most consequential air, inquired, like a gambling-house 

 keeper, if they were " All done " — had all " made their game ? " 

 And " Yes ! yes ! yes ! " resounded from all quarters. 



" Then, gen'lemen," said Jack, addressing Pacey and Sponge, who 

 still kept their closed hands on the table — " show ! " 



At the word their hands opened, and each held money. 



11 A deal ! a deal ! a deal ! " resounded through the room, accom- 

 panied with clapping of hands, thumping of the table, and dancing of 

 glasses. " You owe me a guinea," exclaimed one. " I want half a 

 sovereign of you," roared another. " Here's my half-crown," said a 

 third, handing one across the table to the fortunate winner. A gen- 

 eral settlement took place, in the midst of which the " watch and 

 appurts " were handed to Mr. Sponge. 



" We'll drink Mr. Pacey's health," said Mr. Pufiington, helping 

 himself to a bumper, and passing the lately replenished decanters. 

 " He's done the thing like a sportsman, and deserves to have luck 

 with his deal. Your good health, Mr. Pacey !" continued he, address- 

 ing himself specifically to our friend, " and luck to your horse." 



" Your good health, Mr. Pacey — your good health, Mr. Pacey — 

 your good health, Mr. Pacey," then followed in the various intona- 

 tions that mark the feelings of the speaker towards the toastee, as 

 the bottles passed round the table. 



The excitement seemed to have given fresh zest to the wine, 

 and those who had been shirking, or filling on heel-taps, now began 

 filling bumpers, while those who always filled bumpers now took back 

 hands. 



There is something about horse- dealing that seems to interest every 

 one. Conversation took a brisk turn, and nothing but the darkness 

 of the night prevented their having the horse out and trying him. 

 Pacey wanted him brought into the dining-room, d la Briggs, but 

 Puff wouldn't stand that. The transfer seemed to have invested the 

 animal with supernatural charms, and those who in general cared 

 nothing about horses wanted to have a sight of him. 



Toasting having commenced, as usual, it was proceeded with. 

 Sponge's health followed that of Mr. Pacey's, Mr. Puffington avail- 

 ing himself of the opportunity afforded by proposing it, of expressing 

 the gratification it afforded himself and all true sportsmen to see so 

 distinguished a character in the country ; and he concluded by hoping 

 that the diminution of his stud would not interfere with the length 

 of his visit — a toast that was drunk with great applause. 



Mr. Sponge replied by saying, " That he certainly had not in- 

 tended parting with his horse, though one more or less was neither 

 here nor there, especially in these railway times, when a man had 



