It was a veritable steeple-chase.

The victor announced his success by one of those shrill, savage yells, which would almost split the ears of the listener.
Grasping the bottle, he returned in triumph.

On approaching the party, he again gave forth the Indian war-whoop.
The bottle or jug was first presented to the bridegroom.

He applied the mouth of the bottle to his lips, and took a dram of raw whiskey.

He then handed it to his next of kin, and so the bottle passed through the whole company.