This was so provoking, that I bent my fist at the scoundrel, and had it not been for your sakes, I should certainly have risen from the chair, pulled off my wig and gown, and taught him how to insult a man, because he had the misfortune to lose one eye. The impudence of the fellow, however, did not stop here; for he then pulled out an orange from his pocket, and held it up, as much as to say, Your poor beggarly country cannot produce this. I then pulled out a piece of good cake, and held it up, giving him to understand, that I did not care a farthing for his trash. Neither do I; and I only regret, that I did not thrash the scoundrel's hide, that he might remember how he insulted me, and abused my country.' We may learn from hence, that if there are not two ways of telling a story, there are at least two ways of understanding Signs, and also of interpreting them.” This story, which was told with considerable effect by their merry companion, alternately called forth loud bursts of laughter, induced profound silence, and particularly interested and delighted young Mortimer and Tallyho; while Merrywell kept the glass in circulation, insisting on _no day-light_{1} nor _heel-taps_,{2} and the lads began to feel themselves all in high feather. Time was passing in fearless enjoyment, and Frank Harry being called on by Merrywell for a song, declared he had no objection to tip 'em a rum chant, provided it was agreed that it should go round. This proposal was instantly acceded to, a promise made that he should not be at a loss for a good _coal-box_;{3} and after a little more rosin, without which, he said, he could not pitch the key-note, he sung the following~266~~ SONG. Oh, London! dear London! magnanimous City, Say where is thy likeness again to be found? Here pleasures abundant, delightful and pretty, All whisk us and frisk us in magical round; 1 No day-light--That is to leave no space in the glass; or, in other words, to take a bumper. 2 Heel-taps--To leave no wine at the bottom. 3 Coal-box--A very common corruption of chorus. Here we have all that in life can merry be, Looking and laughing with friends Hob and Nob, More frolic and fun than there's bloom on the cherry-tree, While we can muster a _Sovereign Bob_.