child, was carrying billet doux from the students of Christ Church to the tradesmen's daughters of Oxford, or the nuns of St. Clement's, where a less important personage might have excited suspicion and lost his situation. From a college Mercury, I became a college devil, and was promoted to the chief situation in _glorio_,{1} alias _hell_, where I continued for some time a shining character, and sharpened the edge of many a cutting thing, take notice. Here, some wag having a design upon my reputation, put a large piece of cobbler's wax into the dean's boots one morning, which so irritated the _big wig_ that I was instantly expelled college, discommoned, and blown up at point non plus, take notice. 1 Glorio.--A place in Christ Church called the scout's pantry, where the boots and shoes and knives are cleaned, and a small quantity of Geneva, or Bill Holland's double, is daily consumed during term time. ~149~~ Having saved a trifle, I now commenced stable-keeper, bought a few prime hacks, and mounted some of the best tandem turn outs in Oxford, take notice: but not having wherewithal to stand tick, and being much averse to dunning, I was soon sold up, and got a birth in Brazennose as college scout, where I have now been upwards of forty years, take notice. No gentleman could ever say old Mark Supple deceived him. I have run many risks for the gown; never cared for the town; always stuck up for my college, and never telegraphed the big wigs in my life, take notice."--"Is your name Blackmantle?" said a sharp-looking little fellow, in a grey frock livery, advancing up to me with as much _sang froid_ as if I had been one of the honest fraternity of college servants. Being answered in the affirmative, and receiving at the same time a look that convinced him I was not pleased with his boldness, he placed the following note in my hand and retired.{2} 2 The usual style of invitation to a college wine party or spread. [Illustration: page149] The above is an exact copy of a note received from a man of Brazennose. ~159~~ Handing the note to old Mark--"Pray," said I, not a little confused by the elegance of the composition, "is this the usual style of college invitations?" Mark mounted his spectacles, and having deciphered the contents, assured me with great gravity that it was very polite indeed, and considering where it came from, unusually civil. Another specimen of college ceremony, thought I;--"But come, Mark, let us forth and survey my rooms." We were soon within-side the gates of Brazennose; and Mark having obtained the key, we proceeded to explore the forsaken chamber of the Muses. [Illustration: page151] TAKING POSSESSION OF YOUR ROOMS. Topography of a vacant College Larium--Anecdotes and Propensities of Predecessors--A long Shot--Scout's List of Necessaries--Condolence of University Friends.