Page:Ragged Trousered Philanthropists.djvu/170

The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists 'You'll see something now,' whispered Philpot to Easton. 'This bloke is a dandy!'

The Besotted Wretch took up his position and with an affectation of carelessness, began throwing the rings. It was really a remarkable exhibition, for notwithstanding the fact that his hand trembled like an aspen leaf, he succeeded in striking the board almost in the centre every time; but somehow or other most of them failed to catch on the hooks, and fell into the net. When he finished his innings he had scored only four, two of the rings having caught on the No. 2 hook.

Ard lines,' remarked Bundy as he finished his beer and put the glass down on the counter.

'Drink up and 'ave another,' said Easton, as he drained his own glass.

'I don't mind if I do,' replied Crass, pouring what remained of the pint down his throat.

Philpot's glass had been empty for some time.

'Same again,' said Easton, addressing the Old Dear, and putting six pennies on the counter.

By this time the Semi-Drunk had again opened fire on the board, but he seemed to have lost the range this time, for none of the rings scored. They flew all over the place, and he finished his innings without increasing his total.

The Besotted Wretch now sailed in and speedily piled up 37. Then the Semi-Drunk had another go, and succeeded in getting eight. His case appeared hopeless, but his opponent in his next innings seemed to go all to pieces. Twice he missed the board altogether, and when he did hit it he failed to score until the very last throw, when he made one. Then the Semi-Drunk went in again, and got ten.

The scores were now:—

So far it was impossible to foresee the end. It wasanybody'swas anybody's [sic] game. Crass became so excited that he absentmindedly opened his mouth and shot his second pint down into his stomach with a single gulp, and Bundy also drained his glass and called upon Philpot and Easton to drink up and have another, which they accordingly did.

While the Semi-Drunk was having his next innings the Besotted Wretch placed a penny on the counter and called 158