ble for the affability of the
chambermaids. Perhaps you will permit us to close by quoting a
description of an old Irish tavern, from that queer book "The Life
of John Buncle, Esq." (1756). This inn bore the curious name _The
Conniving House_:

The _Conniving-House_ (as the gentlemen of Trinity called it in
my time, and long after) was a little public house, kept by
_Jack Macklean_, about a quarter of a mile beyond Rings-end, on
the top of the beach, within a few yards of the sea. Here we
used to have the finest fish at all times; and in the season,
green peas, and all the most excellent vegetables. The ale here
was always extraordinary, and everything the best; which, with
its delightful situation, rendered it a delightful place of a
summer's evening. Many a delightful evening have I passed in
this pretty thatched house with the famous _Larrey Grogan_, who
played on the bagpipes extreme well; dear _Jack Lattin_,
matchless on the fiddle, and the most agreeable of companions;
that ever charming young fellow, _Jack Wall_ ... and many other
delightful fellows; who went in the days of their youth to the
shades of eternity. When I think of them and their evening
songs--_We will go to Johnny Macklean's--to try if his ale be
good or no_, etc., and that years and infirmities begin to
oppress me--What is life!

There is a fine, easy, mellow manner of writing, worthy the subject.
And we--we conclude with honest regret. Even to write down the
names of all the inns where we have been happy would be the
pleasantest possible way of spending an afternoon. But we advise you
to be cautious in adopting our favourites as stopping places. Some
of them are very humble.

[Illustration]

THE CLUB IN HOBOKEN

The advertisement ran as follows:

Schooner _Hauppauge_
FOR SALE
By U.S. Marshal,
April 26, 1 P.M.,
Pier G, Erie R.R.,
Weehawken, N.J.
Built at Wilmington, N.C., 1918; net
tonnage 1,295; length 228; equipped with
sails, tackle, etc.

This had taken the eye of the Three Hours for Lunch Club. The club's
interest in nautical matters is well known and it is always looking
forward to the day when it will be able to command a vessel of its
own. Now it would be too much to say that the club expected to be
able to buy the _Hauppauge_ (the fi