"Gentlemen," said Spout, "I have assumed a responsibility, in anticipation of my attaining the Higholdboyship of this club. In this, perhaps, my course will not meet with your full approval; the nature of the step you will be apprised of in the room below. Will you accompany me?"
The party assented, wondering what further surprise was to greet them. They entered a rear parlor on the first floor, where an excellent dinner was waiting them, got up at the expense of Mr. John Spout, Higholdboy of the Elephant Club.
A good dinner is an excellent ending for any thing—even a chapter.
Off with his head so much.—Shakspeare.
THE Club now being organized, and the eager members anxious to begin at once their expeditions in search of the pachydermatous animal