ng short of ridicule could
ensue, from all mention of the transaction. The clanking sound of
an Indian drum broke on my musings, and told me that the party were
assembled; and on my entering the wigwam, I found them all waiting for
me. There were full a dozen; many who had never done me the honour of
a visit previously, came on this occasion to enjoy the laugh at my
expense, the captain's joke was sure to excite. Husbanding their
resources, they talked only about indifferent matters--the gossip and
chit-chat of the day--but still with such a secret air of something to
come, that even an ignorant observer could notice, that there was in
reserve somewhat that must abide its time for development. By mere
accident, I overheard the captain whisper in reply to a question of one
of the subalterns--'No! no!--not now--wait, till we have the punch up.'
I guessed at once that such was the period they proposed to discuss the
joke played off at my cost, and I was right; for no sooner had the large
wooden bowl of sangaree made its appearance, than Hubbart filling his
glass; proposed a bumper to our new ally, Rokey; a cheer drowned half
his speech, which ended in a roar of laughter, as the individual, so
complimented, stood at the door of the wigwam, dressed out in full
costume with my bear-skin.

"I had just time to whisper a command to my Indian imp, concluding with
an order for another bowl of sangaree, before the burst of merriment had
subsided--a hail-storm of jokes, many, poor enough, but still cause for
laughter, now pelted me on every side. My generosity was lauded, my good
taste extolled, and as many impertinences as could well be offered up
to a man at his own table, went the round of the party. No allusion was
spared either to my humble position as interpreter to the force, or
my former life among the Indians, to furnish food for joke; even
my family--of whom, as I have mentioned, I foolishly spoke to them
lately--they introduced into their tirade of attack and ridicule, which
nothing but a sense of coming vengeance could hove enabled me to endure.

"'Come, come,' said one, 'the bowl is empty. I say, O'Kelly, if you wish
us to be agreeable, as I'm certain you find us, will you order a fresh
supply?'

"'Most willingly,' said I, 'but there is just enough left in the old
bowl to drink the health of Captain Hubbart, to whom we are certainly
indebted for most of the amusement of the evening. Now, therefore, if
you please, wit