We will now proceed to the details of an event which PUNCH alone is worthy to record:—­

Notice of a meet having been despatched to all the members of the “Knocker Hunt,” a splendid field—­no street—­met at the Cavendish—­the hotel of the hospitable Marquess.  The white damask which covered the mahogany was dotted here and there with rich and invigorating viands; whilst decanters of port and sherry—­jugs of Chateau Margaux—­bottles of exhilarating spirits, and boxes of cigars, agreeably diversified the scene.  After a plentiful but orderly discussion of the “creature comforts,” (for all ebullitions at home are strictly prohibited by the Marquess) it was proposed to draw St. James’s Square.  This suggestion was, however, abandoned, as it was reported by Captain Pepperwell, that a party of snobs had been hunting bell-handles in the same locality, on the preceding night.  Clarges Street was then named; and off we started in that direction, trying the west end of Jermyn Street and Piccadilly in our way; but, as was expected, both coverts proved blank.  We were almost afraid of the same result in the Clarges Street gorse; for it was not until we arrived at No. 33, that any one gave tongue.  Young Dashover was the first, and clearly and beautifully came his shrill tone upon the ear, as he exclaimed “Hereth a knocker—­thuch a one, too!” The rush was instantaneous; and in the space of a moment one feeling seemed to have taken possession of the whole pack.  A more splendid struggle was never witnessed by the oldest knocker-hunter!  A more pertinacious piece of cast-iron never contended against the prowess of the Corinthian!  After a gallant pull of an hour and a half, “the affair came off,” and now graces the club-room of the “Knocker Hunt.”

The pack having been called off, were taken to the kennel in the Haymarket, when one young dog, who had run counter at a bell-handle, was found to be missing; but the gratifying intelligence was soon brought, that he was safe in the Vine-street station-house.

The various compounds known as champagne, port, sherry, brandy, &c., having been very freely distributed, Captain Pepperwell made a proposition that will so intimately connect his name with that of the immortal Marquess, that, like the twin-born of Jupiter and Leda, to mention one will be to imply the other.

Having obtained silence by throwing a quart measure at the waiter, he wriggled himself into an upright position, and in a voice tremulous from emotion—­perhaps brandy, said—­

“Gentlemen of—­the Knocker Hunt—­there are times when a man can’t make—­a speech without con-considerable inconvenience to himself—­that’s my case at the present moment—­but my admiration for the distinguished foun—­der of the Knocker Hunt—­compels me—­to stand as well as I can—­and propose, that as soon as we have knockers enough—­they be melted down—­by some other respectable founder, and cast into a statue of—­the Marquess of Waterford!”