But instead of coming forward to take it they all recoiled some steps, showing considerable alarm.

And then they all began protesting that they were not complaining of him, that they were satisfied with their choice, and could not have put the matter in abler hands.
"I am pleased at your good opinion," said the important one.
"I may tell you that I am no chicken.

I first saw the light in September, 1739, and, as you know, we are now within seven months and thirteen days of the end of the first decade of the second half of the nineteenth century.

You may infer from this that I have had a pretty extensive experience, and I promise you that when I come to cut the body up you will not be able to say that I have made an unfair distribution, or that any one has been left without his portion." [Illustration: ] All murmured approval, and then one of the company asked if he would be allowed to bespeak the liver for his share.
"No, sir, certainly not," replied the other.

"Such matters must be left to my discretion entirely, and I must also remind you that there is such a thing as the _carver's privilege_, and it is possible that in this instance he may think fit to retain the liver for his own consumption." After thus asserting himself he began to examine the blade of his knife which he still held in his hand, and to breathe gently on it, and wipe it with his handkerchief to make it shine brighter in the sun.