A general settlement took place, in the midst of
which the 'watch and appurts' were handed to Mr. Sponge.

'We'll drink Mr. Pacey's health,' said Mr. Puffington, helping himself to a
bumper, and passing the lately replenished decanters. 'He's done the thing
like a sportsman, and deserves to have luck with his deal. Your good
health, Mr. Pacey!' continued he, addressing himself specifically to our
friend, 'and luck to your horse.'

'Your good health, Mr. Pacey--your good health, Mr. Pacey--your good
health, Mr. Pacey,' then followed in the various intonations that mark the
feelings of the speaker towards the toastee, as the bottles passed round
the table.

The excitement seemed to have given fresh zest to the wine, and those who
had been shirking, or filling on heel-taps, now began filling bumpers,
while those who always filled bumpers now took back hands.

There is something about horse-dealing that seems to interest every one.
Conversation took a brisk turn, and nothing but the darkness of the night
prevented their having the horse out and trying him. Pacey wanted him
brought into the dining-room, _a la_ Briggs, but Puff wouldn't stand that.
The transfer seemed to have invested the animal with supernatural charms,
and those who in general cared nothing about horses wanted to have a sight
of him.

Toasting having commenced, as usual, it was proceeded with. Sponge's health
followed that of Mr. Pacey's, Mr. Puffington availing himself of the
opportunity afforded by proposing it, of expressing the gratification it
afforded himself and all true sportsmen to see so distinguished a character
in the country; and he concluded by hoping that the diminution of his stud
would not interfere with the length of his visit--a toast that was drunk
with great applause.

Mr. Sponge replied by saying, 'That he certainly had not intended parting
with his horse, though one more or less was neither here nor there,
especially in these railway times, when a man had nothing to do but take a
half-guinea's worth of electric wire, and have another horse in less than
no time; but Mr. Pacey having taken a fancy to the horse, he had been more
accommodating to him than he had to his friend, Mr. Spraggon, if he would
allow him to call him so (Jack squinted and bowed assent), who,' continued
Mr. Sponge, 'had in vain attempted that morning to get him to put a price
upon him.'

'Very true,' whispered Jack to Pacey, with a feel of the elbow in his ri