able
curiosity, "the fact is, Bowler and I thought you two fellows might like
to join us."

"You'll have to wait till the spring," said Wallas, a somewhat dismal-
looking specimen of humanity. "I've got my Oxford local in January."

"Oh, of course, we shouldn't start till after that," said Gayford, ready
to smooth away all obstacles.

"Warthah hot, won't it be?" said Braintree, looking at the map.

"No, I believe not," said Gayford; "there's something about the Gulf
Stream, you know, keeps it fresh."

"Wum idea calling an island fwesh," said Braintree, giggling. "It'll be
a fresh start for it when we take possession of it, anyhow," said
Bowler. "Of course you'll bring your rifle, Braintree?"

"Warthah," replied Braintree, "in case of niggers or wobbers."

"Hope we shan't quarrel when we get out," said Wallas. "That's the way
these things generally end."

"Bosh!" said Bowler; "there's no chance of that--just like you, throwing
cold water on everything. Wallas."

"If you call what I say bosh," said Wallas warmly, "it's a pity you
asked me to join you."

It took some time to get over this little breeze and restore the party
to good humour. This was, however, accomplished in time, and the
consultation continued.

"We ought to have three more fellows, at least," said Bowler. "I tell
you what, each of you pick one. Who do you say, Gav?"

"Well, I fancy young Wester might do," said Gayford.

"Warthah a pwig, isn't he?" suggested Braintree.

"He is a little," replied Gayford; "but he's very obliging, and fags
rather well."

"All serene. Now then, Wallas, who's your man?" asked Bowler.

"Tubbs," said Wallas. Tubbs was one of the most hopeless louts at
Swishford.

Gayford gave a low whistle; but he was too anxious to preserve the
harmony of the party to offer any objection.

"Now you, Braintree?"

"I say, Cwashford. Jolly fellow, and knows French, too."

"Ah, but he is such a cad," said Bowler imploringly.

"Couldn't you think of somebody else, Braintree?" asked Gayford.

"Oh, have Cwashford. He's a wewy decent fellah. I like Cwashford, you
know."

"Well, there's this to be said," remarked Bowler, finding there was no
getting out of it, "it may be rather a good thing to have some one to
keep in order; it will give us something to do."

"Yes, I expect you'll want it," said Wallas. "My opinion is it will be
jolly slow out there."

"Not a bit of it. We shall have to go out every day an