He disturbed his companion's reverie by informing him, in a loud, aggressive tone, that it had long been his secret wish to encounter the Hillsborough Trades, in the persons of their secretaries, under the following conditions: a twenty-four feet ring, an experienced referee, and a kingdom looking on.

As to the order of the pugilistic events, he was not unreasonably fastidious; must stipulate to begin with old Smitem; but, after that, they might encounter their fate in any order they chose, one down t'other come on.

He let him know that this ardent desire for single combats, in an interminable series, arose from their treatment of his friend--"the best friend--the best heart--oh!--the best company--oh! oh!--the best--oh! oh! oh!" Whereupon he wept, the bellicose Bayne.

And, after weeping the usual quantity, he twaddled, and, after twaddling, he became as pacific as ever, for he went to sleep in his chair.
And, while he snoozed, the words he had uttered set his friend's brain boiling and bubbling.
When the time came at which Bayne ought to return to the works, Henry called the landlady, and said, "Mr.Bayne is not very well.

I am going to make his excuses.