.MTM2Nw.MTE2MjMx

40 Now there comes the gist of this ^tippling^ 'frolic' The Claret, Whiskey, Segars, Songs, etc had commenced to raise certain and somewhat confused ideas in the minds of No.1 Messers When to their astonishment- clean pannikins were put on the table - & as if by Magic, the dozens of fine Champagne graced the board. - In a few minutes pop - pop- pop went the corks, the glorious liquid was quaffed ^with ecstasy^, No. 1 Mess to a Man rose and cheered us for our "Kindness & hospitality" We were lauded to the skies - and set down for regular 'up street' boon companions- 'Steward' cried the Captain who was at the head of No. 1 Mess - 'Come here'. The Captain whispered something into his ear 'Yes Sir' was his reply. In a few minutes

he returned with a woefully looking cast of countenance

"Tis gone" he ejaculated 'Where' asked the Captain. "I guess you 'as just drank your own Champagne" This