The person at the head of the table was an imposing-looking gentleman, who held a sort of stuffed football in his hand, and had a tame eagle perched on his shoulder.

Near him was a very good-looking, self-satisfied fellow with long curls, who had evidently been entertaining the company with a performance on a Jew's harp.

Then there was a lame old gentleman, who looked as if he would be all the better for his bath when the time came, who carried a big sledge-hammer in his hand; and another fishy sort of person, who flourished about with a three-pronged pitchfork.

A very cross-looking lady sat next to the gentleman at the head of the table.

By the way she kept her eye upon him, contradicting every word he said, and snubbing him at every opportunity, she was evidently his wife.