, I don't cotton to Nuremberg somehow; I'd rather go straight on to
Constance; we could get some rowing there.

_Culch._ (_pettishly_). Rowing be ---- (_recollecting his
helplessness_). No; but just consider, my dear PODBURY. I assure you
you'll find Nuremberg a most delightful old place. You must see how
bent I am on going there!

_Podb._ Oh, yes, I see _that_. But then I'm _not_, don't you know--so
there we are!

_Culch._ (_desperately_). Well, I'll--I'll meet you half-way. I've no
objection to--er--titting up with you--Nuremberg or Constance. Come?

_Podb._ You weren't so anxious to tit up just now--but never mind.
(_Producing a mark_.) Now then, Emperor--Constance. Eagle--Nuremberg.
Is it sudden death, or best out of three? [_He tosses._

_Culch._ Sud--(_The coin falls with the Emperor uppermost._) Best out
of three.

[_He takes coin from PODBURY and tosses._

_Podb._ Eagle! we're even so far. (_He receives coin._) This settles
it. [_He tosses._

_Culch._ Eagle again! Now mind, PODBURY, no going back after _this._
It must _be_ Nuremberg now.

_Podb._ All right! And now allow me to have the pleasure of restoring
your pocket-book and note-case. They did fall out on the Niederwald,
and it was a good job for you I was behind and saw them drop. You
must really be more careful, dear boy. Ain't you going to say "ta" for
them?

_Culch._ (_relieved_). I'm--er--tremendously obliged. I really can't
say how.--(_Recollecting himself_.) But you need not have taken
advantage of it to try to do me out of going to Nuremberg--it was a
shabby trick!

_Podb._ Oh, it was only to get a rise out of you. I never meant to
keep you to it, of course. And I say, weren't you sold, though? Didn't
I lead up to it beautifully? (_He chuckles._) Score to me, eh!

_Culch._ (_with amiable sententiousness_). Ah, well, I don't grudge
you your little joke if it amuses you. Those laugh best who laugh
last. And it's settled now that we're going to Nuremberg.

[_Miss TROTTER and her father have come out from the
Speisesaal doors, and overhear the last speech._

_Mr. Trotter_ (_to Culchard_). Your friend been gettin' off a joke on
you, Sir?

_Culch._ Only in his own estimation, Mr. TROTTER. I have nailed him
down to going to Nuremberg, which, for many reasons, I was extremely
anxious to visit. (_Carelessly._) Are we likely to be there when you
are?

_Miss T._ I guess not. We've just got our mail, and my cousin,
CHARLEY VAN