At length the hip-hipping over, and comparative quiet restored, I rose from my seat to return thanks; but, strange enough, Sir George Dashwood did so likewise.
And there we both stood, amidst an uproar that might well have shaken the courage of more practised orators; while from every side came cries of "Hear, hear!"-- "Go on, Sir George!"-- "Speak out, General!"-- "Sit down, Charley!"-- "Confound the boy!"-- "Knock the legs from under him!" etc.

Not understanding why Sir George should interfere with what I regarded as my peculiar duty, I resolved not to give way, and avowed this determination in no very equivocal terms.

"In that case," said the general, "I am to suppose that the young gentleman moves an amendment to your proposition; and as the etiquette is in his favor, I yield." Here he resumed his place amidst a most terrific scene of noise and tumult, while several humane proposals as to my treatment were made around me, and a kind suggestion thrown out to break my neck by a near neighbor.

Mr.Blake at length prevailed upon the party to hear what I had to say,--for he was certain I should not detain them above a minute.

The commotion having in some measure subsided, I began: "Gentlemen, as the adopted son of the worthy man whose health you have just drunk--" Heaven knows how I should have continued; but here my eloquence was met by such a roar of laughing as I never before listened to.
From one end of the board to the other it was one continued shout, and went on, too, as if all the spare lungs of the party had been kept in reserve for the occasion.