'Five on 'em,' as Leather said, being a hopeless number to extract any good from, Mr. Sponge changed the subject by giving orders for the morrow. Mr. Sponge's appearance being decidedly of the sporting order, and his horses maintaining the character, did not alleviate the agitated minds of the sporting beholders, ruffled as they were with the threatening, vapouring insinuations of the coachman-groom, Peter Leather. There is nothing sets men's backs up so readily, as a hint that any one is coming to take the 'shine' out of them across country. We have known the most deadly feuds engendered between parties who never spoke to each other by adroit go-betweens reporting to each what the other said, or, perhaps, did not say, but what the 'go-betweens' knew would so rouse the British lion as to make each ride to destruction if necessary. 'He's a varmint-looking chap,' observed Mr. Waffles, as the party returned from the railway station; 'shouldn't wonder if he can go--dare say he'll try--shouldn't wonder if he's floored--awfully stiff country this for horses that are not used to it--most likely his are Leicestershire nags, used to fly--won't do here. If he attempts to take some of our big banked bullfinches in his stride, with a yawner on each side, will get into grief.' 'Hang him,' interrupted Caingey Thornton, 'there are good men in all countries.' 'So there are!' exclaimed Mr. Spareneck, the steeple-chase rider. 'I've no notion of a fellow lording it, because he happens to come out of Leicestershire,' rejoined Mr. Thornton. 'Nor I!' exclaimed Mr. Spareneck. 'Why doesn't he stay in Leicestershire?' asked Mr. Hoppey, now raising his voice for the first time--adding, 'Who asked him here?' 'Who, indeed?' sneered Mr. Thornton. In this mood our friends arrived at the Imperial Hotel, where there was always a dinner the day before hunting--a dinner that, somehow, was served up in Mr. Waffles's rooms, who was allowed the privilege of paying for all those who did not pay for themselves; rather a considerable number, we believe.