nding the antiquated tactics of Major A.; but never had the
fortune before to measure trumps with an American. On the whole, he
appeared remarkably comfortable and contented.

One morning I was honoured with an early domiciliary visit. "Fred," said
my uncle, "put up half-a-dozen shirts and a tooth-brush. We start for
Liverpool this evening."

"This evening!" said I in amazement. "Impossible, my dear sir! Only
reflect--the Session is not over yet, and what would become of my business
if I were to levant without notice?"

"I'll insure all your losses for a pound-note. Tell them you've got
business elsewhere: I daresay a good many of the old hands are up to that
trick already."

"But my engagements"--persisted I. "There's Mrs M'Crinoline's ball on
Tuesday, and Lady M'Loup's the week after--really, uncle, I don't see how
I can possibly get away."

"Do you wish to make your fortune, sir?"

"Undoubtedly."

"Then do as I bid you. Get up and shave, and in the mean time I'll look
after breakfast."

There was nothing for it but obedience, so I rose and polished my outer
man. Mr Scripio was apparently in high feather and digestion. He put the
finishing stroke to what had once been a prize mutton ham, and dug as
diligently into a pot of marmalade as though he expected to find a layer
of doubloons at the bottom. To my amazement, he dedicated his last cup of
coffee as a special bumper to the health of the Noble President of the
Board of Trade.

"What's in the wind now?" thought I. "Uncle, have you any thing dependent
before Parliament? Perhaps you want a junior counsel for a bill."

"Confound Parliament!" said the irreverent Columbian; "I don't care a cent
more for it than I do for Congress. The Board of Trade's the thing for my
money! That's your constitutional tribunal--close-fitting boxes and Bramah
locks--no humbug there! 'Zooks, won't we smash old Jobson after all!" and
Scripio neighed like a Shetland pony at its first introduction to
oats--all the while helping himself to a caulker of genuine Glenlivat.

We set off in the afternoon accordingly, and next morning arrived at
Liverpool. Our stay there was very short. I was led captive to the
Exchange, and hurried into a stockbroker's office in an obscure alley
behind. The Plutus of this den, an old bald-pated gentleman, in a blue
coat and drab terminations, started up from his seat as we entered, with
more manifestations of respect than would have welcomed the avatar o