sturbers. No sooner, however, had he opened the door, than a rush was
made by the invaders, and Mr. Dropper upset by the besieging party. Mr.
Dropper fell upon the stomach of the half-awakened Quackenbush, they
both pitched into Mr. Boggs, and then all three rolled over the
Higholdboy. This last-named personage, having the bottoms of his
pantaloons sewed together, could not arise until the friendly jack-knife
unfettered his lengthy legs. All parties being restored to the
perpendicular, an immediate inquiry was made into the cause of the
disturbance.

Then it was discovered that the person who had kicked up this diabolical
bobbery was no less a personage than the heretofore discreet and
temperate Johnny Cake, aided and abetted by an individual unknown to the
rest of the company, but whose appearance bespoke him to be one of the
boys, who, although not an "Elephant," presented at first sight
distinguished claims to be honored with that enviable distinction.

Yes, Johnny Cake, the man who would never be persuaded to taste a glass
of liquor of any kind, who had always endeavored to keep his companions
from spirituous imbibition; the virtuous cold-waterite, whom the sight
of a glass of brandy would give a cold chill, a whisky-punch throw into
spasms, or a mug of "lager" give a teetotal convulsion, stood now
before the astounded Elephantine brotherhood drunk, plainly, undeniably,
unequivocally _drunk_.

He had a black eye, and a swelled nose. His coat was on hind side
before, and buttoned between his shoulders, while his pantaloons were
entirely bereft of buttons, and were secured from parting company only
by two pieces of telegraph-wire which, with commendable ingenuity, he
had converted into extemporaneous metallic suspenders. His companion was
in a singular state of derangement as to his personal attire, having no
coat at all, and a red shirt over his nether continuations.

As soon as the first expression of surprise was over, the Higholdboy,
comprehending that something unusual had taken place, ordered the
company to be seated. In obedience to this peremptory order from the
most noble officer of the club, the Elephantines each took a seat, but
as the inglorious young man before-mentioned had made the chairs
exceedingly treacherous and insecure, by cutting off one leg of each,
the immediate consequence of the attempt was another general
sprawlification upon the floor, executed in a masterly manner by the
entire strengt