it I couple
the name of our worthy president, Mr. Tinkleby; may he live long and be
happy!"

This sentiment, though not very original, was received with great
enthusiasm, the company showing their approval of it by administering
to themselves fresh doses of "Duster's" liquid explosive.

The president, rising slowly to his feet, sticking his thumbs in the
armholes of his waistcoat, and expanding that portion of his body which
contained his supper, in imitation of the movements of Augustus Powler,
Esq., M.P., cleared his throat, and began in pompous tones: "Mr. Mayor,
ladies and gentlemen, I cannot well express to you the delight with
which I stand here to fulfil the pleasing duties which you have so
kindly called upon me to perform. When I look round on the bright,
young faces before me--"

The speaker paused to dodge a shower of crusts, corks, and other
missiles; the owners of the "bright, young faces" evidently resented
this personal allusion.

"Shut up, Tinky!" cried several voices. "Talk sense, can't you?"

The president smiled, and readjusted his nippers.

"I was about to remark," he continued in his natural tone, and with his
accustomed fluency of speech, "I was about to remark that I thank you
very much for having drunk my health. You were good enough to couple
my name with that of our society. Gentlemen, I am convinced that the
Fifth Form Literary Society has a great future before it. (Laughter.)
I look forward to the time when we shall not grub here at 'Duster's,'
but dine together in premises of our own. Our friend Mr. James has a
nice little plot of ground in a soap-box, where he now grows
mustard-and-cress, but which I have no doubt he would let to us on
reasonable terms for building purposes. But, perhaps, I am looking a
little too far ahead. As regards our immediate future, I intend making
a determined effort to publish another number of the 'Portfolio.'
(Cheers.) Mr. Ward has intimated his willingness to contribute a large
number of Latin lines written by members of his class; while Mr. Sam
Jones, the boot-cleaner, has offered to place his talented brush at our
disposal, and produce a grand New-Year's Illustrated Supplement,
entitled, 'Christmas in the Coal-Hole.' Gentlemen, I fear I am
trespassing on your time and good nature. Mr. James, I see, is anxious
to drink another toast. Once more I thank you for having drunk my
health, and would now call upon you to drink that of Mr. Preston,