His absurdity increased the hubbub, as Jack rapped on the table to command attention.
"The toast I am about to propose is one of absolute neces—"
"Oh, my!" groaned Rankin, "give me something in the mean time." He grasped a bottle, as if in desperation. "All right, now. Go on, Jack. Don't mind me."
The orator went on, smiling:
"It is, as I think I have said before, one of absolute—"
Here the disturbance threatened to put an end to the proposed toast.
"Take a new deal."
"Got any more toasts like this?"
"Oh, I would like a smoke soon. Hurry up, Jack."
"Well, ladies and gentlemen," said Jack, banging on the table to quell the tumult; "I will skip over the objectionable words, and propose that we drink to the health of one who has been unable to be with us to-day, and who needs our assistance; who perhaps at this moment is suffering untold troubles far from our midst. Ladies and gentlemen, have you charged your glasses?"