r, I beheld, in the centre of the room, Town-Major
McCan, the most passionate little man in Quebec, making his obeisances
to Mrs. Davis, while a circle around were, with handkerchiefs to their
mouths, stifling, as they best could, a burst of laughter; since exactly
between his shoulders, in marks of about four inches long, stood the
numerals "158," a great flourish underneath proclaiming that the roll
had probably concluded, and that this was the "last man."

Of the major, tradition had already consecrated one exploit; he had once
kicked an impertinent tradesman down the great flight of iron stairs
which leads from the Upper Town to Diamond Harbor,--a feat, to
appreciate which, it is necessary to bear in mind that the stair
in question is almost perpendicular, and contains six hundred and
forty-eight steps! My very back ached by anticipation as I thought of
it; and as I retreated towards the door, it was in a kind of shuffle,
feeling like one who had been well thrashed.

"A large party, Mrs. D.; a very brilliant and crowded assembly," said
the major, pulling out his bushy whiskers, and looking importantly
around. "Now what number have you here?"

"I cannot even guess, Major; but we have had very few apologies.
Could you approximate to our numbers this evening, Mr. Cox?" said she,
addressing a spiteful-looking old man who sat eying the company through
an opera-glass.

"I have counted one hundred and thirty-four, madam; but the major makes
them more numerous still!"

"How do you mean, Cox?" said he, getting fiery red.

"If you'll look in that glass yonder, which is opposite the mirror, you
'll soon see!" wheezed out the old man, maliciously. I did not wait for
more; with one spring I descended the first flight; another brought me
to the hall; but not before a terrible shout of laughter apprised me
that all was discovered. I had just time to open the clock-case and step
into it, as Major McCan came thundering downstairs, with his coat on his
arm.

A shrill yell from Sambo now told me that one culprit at least was "up"
for punishment. "Tell the truth, you d--d piece of carved ebony! who did
this?"

"Not me, Massa! not me, Massa! Smush did him!"

Smush was at this instant emerging from the back parlor with a tray of
colored fluids for the dancers. With one vigorous kick the major sent
the whole flying; and ere the terrified servitor knew what the assault
portended, a strong grasp caught him by the throat, and ran