conversation in as animated a spirit as ever; while
varying their opinions of his chances of success with bets on the event,
and arrangements for fresh trials of a similar kind.

The landlord, who from the increased din and uproar, imagined something
was astir, made enquiries of his oleaginous-looking colleague, by whom
he was apprised of the proceedings; but being accustomed to scenes of
equal recklessness, and being, moreover, a discreet man, and
anticipating, in the event of any breakages, a means of reaping a
plentiful harvest, he was conveniently deaf, and found occasion for his
presence at a spot far removed from the scene of action. From his
retreat, however, he was speedily summoned by Hopping Dick, to witness
the result of the manoeuvre.

It would be difficult to describe the scene that presented itself to the
landlord's vision, upon his entering the coffee-room; where, from the
boisterous laughing of some of the party, the interjective swearing of
others, the Babel of voices advising and expostulating, and the crowding
in of the towns-people, who had been attracted to the house by a rumour
of what was going on,--he could hardly discern the nature of the
accident, the extent of the injury sustained, or, what concerned him
most, the damage done to his furniture and premises. Upon clearing the
room of strangers, and removing, as far as possible, the signs of wreck,
he retired, leaving his lodgers to their meditations; while he indulged
in calculations bearing a direct application on the late amphitheatre
practice. He was, as we have already said, a prudent man in matters of
monetary interest, and he wished not to question the acts of gentlemen
residing in his house, and therefore desired no explanation; but, for
the reader's enlightenment, we will briefly detail the circumstances
that occasioned this untoward event.

Smith brought his horse, which was a noble high-bred animal, into the
room; and when the door was closed, he mounted for the leap. Intoxicated
as he was, it was evident from his deportment he was a good rider; and
sitting well and firmly in his saddle, was certainly a picture for
admiration; though, to a thoughtful mind, the feeling would give rise to
a regret, that some more dignified object had not called forth the
energies of the man, than that which made a ridiculous exhibition of
himself, degraded his noble steed, and risked his own neck. However, no
such remorse entered the breast of the redo