diately afterwards.'

'_Half-past six_.

'I am again in bed. Anything so heart-rending as Mr. Slug's sufferings
it has never yet been my lot to witness.'

'_Seven o'clock_.

'A messenger has just come down for a clean pocket-handkerchief from
Professor Woodensconce's bag, that unfortunate gentleman being quite
unable to leave the deck, and imploring constantly to be thrown
overboard. From this man I understand that Professor Nogo, though in a
state of utter exhaustion, clings feebly to the hard biscuit and cold
brandy and water, under the impression that they will yet restore him.
Such is the triumph of mind over matter.

'Professor Grime is in bed, to all appearance quite well; but he _will_
eat, and it is disagreeable to see him. Has this gentleman no sympathy
with the sufferings of his fellow-creatures? If he has, on what
principle can he call for mutton-chops--and smile?'

'_Black Boy and Stomach-ache_,
_Oldcastle_, _Saturday noon_.

'You will be happy to learn that I have at length arrived here in safety.
The town is excessively crowded, and all the private lodgings and hotels
are filled with _savans_ of both sexes. The tremendous assemblage of
intellect that one encounters in every street is in the last degree
overwhelming.

'Notwithstanding the throng of people here, I have been fortunate enough
to meet with very comfortable accommodation on very reasonable terms,
having secured a sofa in the first-floor passage at one guinea per night,
which includes permission to take my meals in the bar, on condition that
I walk about the streets at all other times, to make room for other
gentlemen similarly situated. I have been over the outhouses intended to
be devoted to the reception of the various sections, both here and at the
Boot-jack and Countenance, and am much delighted with the arrangements.
Nothing can exceed the fresh appearance of the saw-dust with which the
floors are sprinkled. The forms are of unplaned deal, and the general
effect, as you can well imagine, is extremely beautiful.'

'_Half-past nine_.

'The number and rapidity of the arrivals are quite bewildering. Within
the last ten minutes a stage-coach has driven up to the door, filled