388 mr. sponge's sporting tour. 



people out with the (wheeze) hounds, and another to go calling upon 

 them at their (gasp) houses.' 1 



" Well, but, my dear, that's the way people make acquaintance," 

 replied his wife. " Isnt, it, Mr. Sponge ? " continued she, appealing 

 to our friend. 



" Oh, certainly," replied Mr. Sponge, " certainly all men are equal 

 out hunting." 



" So I say," exclaimed Mrs. Jogglebury ; " and yet I can't get 

 Jog to call on Sir George Stiff, though he meets him frequently out 

 hunting." 



" Well, but then I can't (puff) upon him out hunting (wheeze), 

 and then we're not all equal (gasp) when we go home." 



So saying, our friend rose from his chair, and after giving each 

 leg its usual shake, and banging his pockets behind to feel that he 

 had his keys safe, he strutted consequentially up to the window to 

 see how the day looked. 



Mr. Sponge not being desirous of continuing the " calling " con- 

 troversy, especially as it might lead to inquiries relative to his ac- 

 quaintance with Sir Harry, finished the contents of his plate quickly, 

 drank up his tea, and was presently alongside of his host, asking him 

 whether he " was good for a ride, a walk, or what ? " 



" A (puff) ride, a (wheeze) walk, or a (gasp) what?" repeated 

 Jog, thoughtfully. " No, I (puff) think I'll stay at (puff) home," 

 thinking that would be the safest plan. 



" 'Orel, hang it, you'll never lie at earth such a day as this! " ex- 

 claimed Sponge, looking out on the bright sunny landscape. 



" Got a great deal to do," retorted Jog, who, like all thoroughly 

 idle men, was always dreadfully busy. He then dived into a bundle 

 of rough sticks, and proceeded to select one to fashion into the head 

 of Mr. Hume. Sponge being unable to make anything of him, was 

 obliged to exhaust the day in the stable, and in sauntering about the 

 country. It was clear Jog was determined to get rid of him, and he 

 was sadly puzzled what to do. Dinner found his host in no better 

 humour, and after a sort of Quakers' meeting of an evening, they 

 parted heartily sick of each other. 



