He further said that he had heard--a little earlier in the evening--a rumour that one of the wild animals, a bear or something, had broken loose and was at present at large.

This was what he had heard--he didn't know if it were true or not.

For his own part he didn't believe it, and his hearers agreed that it was highly improbable.

Nobody ever knew how these silly yarns got about.
Presently the Besotted Wretch got up and, taking the india-rubber rings out of the net with a trembling hand, began throwing them one at a time at the hooks on the board.

The rest of the company watched him with much interest, laughing when he made a very bad shot and applauding when he scored.
''E's a bit orf tonight,' remarked Philpot aside to Easton, 'but as a rule 'e's a fair knockout at it.