My friend tossed off his cocktail with the air of one who is used to it, and rather liked it than otherwise; but I was not quite so successful, for being wholly unacquainted with the science of drinking, the strength of the liquor nearly choked me, to the intense amusement of my more experienced friend, who advised me to try again. I _did_ try again, and more successfully, the liquor went the way of all rum, and soon produced the usual effects. Of course its influence on me was exceedingly powerful, I being entirely unaccustomed to its use. A very agreeable feeling of exhilaration stole over me--I thought I was worth just one hundred thousand dollars--I embraced my friend and swore he was a "trump"--I then noticed, with mild surprise, that he had been multiplied into two individuals--there were two barkeepers now, although just before I drank, there was but one--an additional chandelier had just stepped in to visit the solitary one which had lighted the room--to speak plainly, I saw double; and to sum the whole matter up in a few words, I was, for the first time in my life, most decidedly and incontestably _drunk_. As nearly as I can remember, my friend linked his arm within mine, and we passed out into the street--he partially supporting me, and keeping me from falling. Two precious youths, of twelve years of age, we certainly were--one staggering and trying to fall down, and the other laughing, and holding him up! The rain had ceased falling, and the stars were shining as if nothing had happened. The cool air sobered me, and my friend congratulated me on my recovery from a state of inebriety.