They went to “The Jolly Herring,” as the pot-house was called, and passed through the dingy beery tap-room into the back parlor, to which Eric had already been introduced by Wildney. About a dozen boys were assembled, and there was a great clapping on the table as the two new-comers entered. A long table was laid down the room, which was regularly spread for dinner. “Now then, Billy; make haste with the goose,” called Brigson. “I vote, boys, that Eric Williams takes the chair.” “Hear! hear!” said half a dozen; and Eric, rather against his will, found himself ensconced at the end of the table, with Brigson and Bull on either hand. The villainous-low-foreheaded man, whom they called Billy, soon brought in a tough goose at one end of the table, and some fowls at the other; and they fell to, doing ample justice to the [Greek: daiz heisae] while Billy waited on them. There was immense uproar during the dinner, every one eating as fast, and talking as loud, as he could. The birds soon vanished, and were succeeded by long rolly-polly puddings, which the boys called Goliahs; and they, too, rapidly disappeared. Meanwhile beer was circling only too plentifully. “Now for the dessert, Billy,” called several voices; and that worthy proceeded to put on the table some figs, cakes, oranges, and four black bottles of wine. There was a general grab for these dainties, and one boy shouted, “I say, I’ve had no wine.” “Well, it’s all gone. We must get some brandy--it’s cheaper,” said Brigson; and accordingly some brandy was brought in, which the boys diluted with hot water, and soon despatched. “Here! before you’re all done swilling,” said Brigson, “I’ve got a health; ‘Confound muffs and masters, and success to the anti’s.’” “And their chairman,’ suggested Wildney. “And their chairman, the best fellow in the school,” added Brigson. The health was drunk with due clamor, and Eric got up to thank them. “I’m not going to spout,” he said; “but boys must be boys, and there’s no harm in a bit of fun. I for one have enjoyed it, and am much obliged to you for asking me; and now I call for a song.” “Wildney! Wildney’s song,” called several. Wildney had a good voice, and struck up, without the least bashfulness-- “Come, landlord, fill the flowing bowl, Until it does run overt Come, landlord, fill,” &c “Now,” he said, “join in the chorus!” The boys, all more or less excited, joined in heartily and uproariously-- “For to-night we’ll merry merry be! For to-night we’ll merry merry be! For to-night we’ll merry merry be! To-morrow we’ll be sober!”