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million of your proud upstart muck, which turn up their noses at honest men, because they don't belong to the pauper aristocracy, which sucks so many millions out of their vitals."

"I don't understand this language," said the reverend gentleman; "nor was I speaking of the aristocracy. I wished to know whether you meant to assert that Mr. Sound was in company with you last night."

"Well, sir; he was. I do mean to assert it."

"And to that assertion you intend to adhere?"

"Of course, I do; because it's the truth."

"Have a care! Have a care!" cried the reverend gentleman. "You may not live to repent. You know, sir, that he was not there."

"I know that he was."

"I do not believe it."

"I can't help that, sir. No man in Europe can help it. He was there, sir, whether you believe it or not. Why he was there till past twelve!"

"Monstrous!" exclaimed the reverend gentleman, who really felt appalled. "I tremble for you! You are incorrigible!"

"Well!" said Obadiah. "Have it your own way, if you will. I know what I know, sir; and that's all about it. I wish you a very good morning."

The reverend gentleman was so much amazed, that before he knew either what to say or how to act, Obadiah had got a considerable distance; and even when he had somewhat recovered his faculties, he continued to sit as motionless as Irresolution's statue. Eventually, however, he turned his horse's head, and rode on to the Common, with the view of reflecting upon all that had passed, and deciding on what was then best to be done; while Obadiah proceeded to the Crumpet and Crown, to tell the news to his friends, who at once crowded round him.

"Well!" cried Pokey. "Well! Well! What did he want?"

"Want!" exclaimed Obadiah. "He wanted to do as good as swear me out of my Christian name."

"Well, but what was his object?" demanded Legge.

Why his object, my boy, was to make me believe that young Mr. Sound was not with us last night drinking brandy-and-water."

"What!" cried Legge, angrily! "did you tell him that he was?"

"Of course I did; and stuck to it too, like a Briton."

"What right," cried Legge, "had you to tell him that? Do you think that he wanted them to know where he was? Can no man come to enjoy himself for an hour without its being known all over the place, you chattering fool? Had he even come in here and drank his glass to himself, you would have had no right to name it, but as he behaved so handsomely, and as you with the rest partook—and freely too—of that which he ordered and paid for, you ought to be ashamed of yourself."

"Shame, shame," cried the rest. "Shame, shame: it is shameful!"

"Stop a bit, my boys," said Obadiah; "stop a bit. I'll soon fructify your ideas on that point."

"Fructify!" cried Legge, who was deeply indignant. "It would