The Argosy — page 252: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

CAMPING OUT. t 7 was really very jolly of Uncle Christopher to send that tip,” gratefully remarked Tom Candlish, as he looked admiringly round his small room at Oxford. A sympathising but somewhat envious friend sat on a tin box and surveyed all the new acquisitions with a sigh—for alas ! Ae had no Uncle Christopher. ‘“* Yes, yes, you are a lucky dog!” “Why, you see,” said Tom confidingly, “it happened just at the right time. I owed a little, and that’s paid.” ‘“ Horribly lucky!” groaned the friend. ‘““And then I wanted to enjoy a good river trip, and hadn’t any tin until this came. Now all these things and anew boat make every- thing jolly.” , ‘* Horribly jolly !” said the friend, pulling his hat over his eyes. “I say, old chap,” observed Tom, genially, as he laid down a portable bath in its neat-fitting case, “‘ you’re a cup too low! Have some champagne ?” ‘“Why, Tom,” said the other, raising his hat from his eyes, with a look of responsive geniality, “‘ you don’t mean to say your admirable relative sent you a tip and didn’t saddle you with a blue ribbon ?” For answer Tom Candlish vulled forth a champagne bottle, sent the cork off in a most boisterous manner, and filled a bumper for Mr. Alfred Webbs. ‘That young man did not make any remark before drinking, lest the fizz should subside, but when he set down his tumbler with a thankful sigh, he said : “But, come now, Tom, what is the saddle? There must be one, or your uncle is unique.” “Well,” said Tom, laughing and blushing too, ‘ there is and there isn’t. That is to say, it ought to be looked on as a greater blessing than the tip.” “What,” cried Mr. Webbs eagerly, ‘“ expectations ¢ Convertible expectations ?” “Great expectations, but not convertible,” announced ‘Tom, buckling a portmanteau with extra vigour. “The fact is I’m going to be married.” ‘““Q-o-oh!” groaned Mr. Webbs. “Have some more champagne, Webbs. You're decidedly a cup too low.” And Webbs took it, drinking silently. ‘You see, Webbs, I’ve aay been expected to marry my uncle’s ward.” “And you'll do it,” said Webbs, with solemnity. “Of course,” replied Tom. “But first I’m going to have my camping out—and a lovely summer it is for it!” CONNIClOOO (CO)