Second Voice (puzzled).  Sent a case of champagne?

First Voice (interposing.) Have you finished?

Imp.  Sub. No, we are still speaking.  Yes—­have you sent a case of champagne to BUMBLETON?

Second Voice.  Sent a case of champagne to BUMBLETON?  No; why should we?

Imp.  Sub. Because you promised TICKLEBY you would.

Second Voice (evidently perplexed).  Promised TICKLEBY?

Imp.  Sub. (in a tone of reproach).  Yes, promised TICKLEBY.

First Voice (interposing.) Have you finished?

Imp.  Sub. No, we are still speaking; please don’t cut us off. (Returning to the champagne subject).  Yes, you promised TICKLEBY you would send the case of champagne to BUMBLETON. (With inspiration.) You are the Arctic Wine Company, aren’t you?

Second Voice.  No.  I am Secretary of the Curate’s Papier Mache Church Company.

Imp.  Sub. (in a tone of sorrow).  Aren’t you one four two nought eight six?

Third Voice (coming from somewhere).  Mind and bring a gun with you, and—.

Second Voice.  No.  We are two four eight nought six seven.  Good morning!

First Voice.  Have you finished?

Imp.  Sub. (angrily).  I have not begun!  You have put me on the wrong number!

First Voice (calmly).  What number do you want?

Imp.  Sub. (angrily).  One four two nought eight six.

First Voice.  Two four two nought eight six?

Imp.  Sub. (with suppressed rage).  No, one four two nought eight six.

First Voice.  Very well.  One four two nought eight six.

Imp.  Sub. Yes, and don’t make a mistake.

    [Long pause, during which he asks, “Are you there?” at
    intervals.

Fourth Voice.  What is it?

Imp.  Sub. Are you Arctic Wine Company?

Fourth Voice.  Yes, all right!  What is it?

Imp.  Sub. (joyfully).  Have you sent a case of champagne to BUMBLETON?

Fourth Voice.  What?  I can’t hear you.

First Voice. (interposing).  Have you finished?

Imp.  Sub. No, we are still speaking.  Have you sent a case of champagne to BUMBLETON?

Fourth Voice.  We can’t hear you.  Send a messenger.

First Voice.  Have you finished?

Imp.  Sub. (shouting).  Yes! (Is cut off.) Shorter to have done so at once!

    [Uses intemperate language, and hurries off to get a
    Messenger.  Curtain.

* * * * *

THE CHURLISH CABMAN.

AIR—­“BALLYHOOLEY.”