rom cleavers. It has
made me cry like a child, Mrs. Mumbles.'

'I hope it won't make baby cry.'

'I hope not; but, cry or no cry, we must have it, and any other music
you like.'

This point being settled the ardent pair began to prepare, with the
greatest alacrity, for the forthcoming fete.

Mrs. Mumbles declared that no expense should be spared to make the
proceedings go off with eclat, and Mr. Mumbles began to fidget himself
concerning the tournament laws, rules, and regulations.

The principal difficulty was, however, in inducing others to take a part
in this strange whim. Had it been bull-baiting or badger-drawing or
cock-throwing or horse and donkey racing, hundreds would have been found
ready to engage in the sport. But for a tournament! Most people did not
even know the name of it, and Mr. Mumbles' description was in no way
calculated to elucidate its mysteries, so that few seemed to care about
lending themselves to the fete.

There was, however, in the town of Scrambles a sharp dapper lawyer's
clerk, who saw at once into the affair and what a frolic it might be
made. He therefore wrote a civil note to Mr. Mumbles, in which he
expressed his delight at the forthcoming novelty, and offered himself as
a candidate for the white silken scarf which was to be the reward of the
victor in the field.

The letter being couched in chivalric language, and ornamented with
armorial bearings, delighted Mr. and Mrs. Mumbles above all things. They
now felt a prospect of the realization of their fondest hopes, and began
to prepare accordingly. The lawyer's clerk, whose name was Quiddity,
also set about publishing the whole of the matter abroad. He soon
succeeded in inducing a number of young men and maidens to favour the
joke, and to lend themselves to it. He explained the insane folly of
this worthy pair with such irresistible drollery that everyone was eager
to be one of the favoured company.

On the next interview Mr. Mumbles, delighted with the report of
Quiddity, addressed him with truly dignified solemnity.

'Sir Knight,' said he, 'thou hast done thy spirit gently. Thy wondrous
works have found favour in mine eyes; be thou our warden from this time,
and for evermore.'

'With leave to thrust or lance,' said Quiddity; 'for I would not forego
a rencontre for the lord-wardenship of the cinque ports.'

'Sink me if you shall not tilt with me rather than that you should not
display your prowess. On the morning of that