The substitution of gas for oil has long been talked of, as one of national importance, even so much so, that one man, whose ideas were as brilliant as his own experiments, has endeavoured to shew that its produce would in a short time pay off the national debt!{1} "A consummation devoutly to be wished;" and experience has taught the world at large there is nothing impossible, nor is there any one in existence more credulous than honest John Bull.

But we are 1 Mr.Winsor, the original lecturer on the powers of gas, in Pall Mall.
~50~~digressing from the adventure of the lamp, however it was occasioned, by clearly proving it was not a _patent safety-lamp_: and that among the luxuries of the Hon.

Tom Dashall's habitation, gas had not yet been introduced, will speedily be discovered.
Upon arriving in his bed-room, wondering within himself how he should repair the blundering mistake, of which he had so unluckily been the unwilling and unconscious author, he found himself in a new dilemma, as the receptacle of the oil had fallen with the lamp, and plentifully bedewed the portmanteau with its contents, so that he had now transferred the savoury fluid to his coat, waistcoat, cravat, and shirt.
What was to be done in such a case?
He could not make his appearance in that state; but his mortifications were not yet at an end-- "Hills over hills, and Alps on Alps arise." The key of his portmanteau was missing; he rummaged all his pockets in vain--he turned them inside out--it was not here--it was not there; enraged at the multiplicity of disappointments to which he was subjected, he cut open the leathern carriage of his wardrobe with a penknife; undressed, and re-dressed himself; by which time it was half-past eight o'clock.

His Cousin Tom, who had hurried down according to promise, had in the mean time been making enquiry after him, and now entered the room, singing, "And all with attention would eagerly mark: When he cheer'd up the pack--Hark! to Rockwood hark! hark!" At the sight of Dashall, he recovered himself from his embarrassment, and descended with him to the breakfast-parlour.
"Did you send to Robinson's ?" enquired Tom of one of the servants, as they entered the room.

"Yes, Sir," was the reply; "and Weston's too ?" continued he; being answered in the affirmative, "then let us have breakfast directly." Then turning to Bob, "Sparkle," said he, "promised to be with us about eleven, for the purpose of taking a stroll; in the mean time we must dress and make ready."-- "Dress," said Bob, "Egad! I have dressed and made ready twice already this morning." He then ~51~~recounted the adventures above recorded; at which Dashall repeatedly burst into fits of immoderate laughter.