"No one speaks," said Spout, "which leads me to believe that no one desires the position unless it be myself, which I confess, gentlemen, is true. Gentlemen, I declare myself duly elevated and installed into the office of Higholdboy of the Elephant Club, and when you survey my proportions, and look at the size of that chair, I am satisfied you will concede that I am well adapted to fill it. In conclusion, gentlemen, I ask of you your coöperation in forwarding the aims and purposes of this club. Mr. Boggs, will you pass me the tobacco-box?" "Certainly," said Boggs, as he passed the box, "and allow me to congratulate your constituency in having elevated you to so responsible a position." "A very respectable constituency of one--Spout," said Mr. Quackenbush. "But it is very funny, isn't it?" said he. "It's a go," said Dropper. Mr. Van Dam was very glad that he wasn't the lucky man, as he had such an abhorrence of responsibility. The question of the time and place of meetings was the next subject discussed. It was finally agreed to leave that matter for future consideration. "Gentlemen," said Spout, "I have assumed a responsibility, in anticipation of my attaining the Higholdboyship of this club. In this, perhaps, my course will not meet with your full approval; the nature of the step you will be apprised of in the room below. Will you accompany me?" The party assented, wondering what further surprise was to greet them. They entered a rear parlor on the first floor, where an excellent dinner was waiting them, got up at the expense of Mr. John Spout, Higholdboy of the Elephant Club. [Illustration] A good dinner is an excellent ending for any thing--even a chapter. THE ELEPHANTINE DEN. Off with his head so much.--SHAKSPEARE. [Illustration]