Page:The George Inn, Southwark.djvu/34

 Another interesting club was that of "The Old Chums," composed of business men from the city who dined together on the first Saturday in each year. This club still exists, although during the years of the War it has not been well represented. However, in order not to break the long sequence of meetings, we understand that the custom was maintained this year (1918) by one member and his good wife.

Yet another such club was "The Rolling Stones," composed of business men from the West End. It first selected the George Inn for its festive gatherings some twenty years ago, but prior to that they met at the famous Stone's Chop House in Panton St., Haymarket, hence no doubt their name. The full title of their Club was "The most Secret Brotherhood of the Rolling Stones" and their notice of the dinner was couched in a fanciful style in travesty of Brigandage. It is so amusing we give it in full:

HUSH!

Beware of Spies!

This is to be delivered into your hand by a trusty messenger.

Beware you are not observed!

To make all secure, be careful to follow these instructions before you open this:—

(a) Draw the Blinds!

(b) Sack the Cook!

(c) Get under the Table!

(d) Double lock the door!

(e) Hide the Drinks!

(f) Stuff up the Key-hole!

(g) Shut down the Register,

so that when you read this aloud to yourself in the dark you be not overheard.

From the sacred head centre to our Sisters Murray greeting!

It is ordered that you do on the fourteenth of February