testify their amazement by sundry knowing winks, as also by divers other significant signs understood only by the initiated. Nathaniel, however, was on his guard-he had long been watching these nods, winks, &c. with the Argus eyes of a modern congressman, who has had the audacity to introduce some new proposition before his fellow-legislators, and imagining that they portended any thing but pleasing results to his personal comfort, proceeded to explain a little more definitely the object in view.

"It was with the utmost diffidence," he said, "that he rose before so learned and honorable a body to remark on any subject whatever, but when that subject possessed such vital importance as the present one, gentlemen could well conceive to how great a degree his feelings of timidity must be heightened. But it appeared to bim that the present critical juncture-the peculiar situation of affairs at the present time imperatively demanded of him to waive all ceremony, to sacrifice all personal, all private feelings to a consideration of the public good, and he would, therefore, without delay, and without farther preamble, proceed to the point in hand.

"Howsoever much gentlemen might affect to conceal or color over the matter, still it was an incontrovertible fact, evident to the most careless observer, that abuses prevailed to an enormous extent in the collegiate world, coupled too with the most flagrant injustice, whose direct tendency was, not only to lower the character of the institution in the eyes of its members, but also in the eyes of the nation, and mankind at large. These abuses, it was equally evident, on a moment's consideration, were too flagrant, too atrocious in their natures, too baleful in their effects to be suffered to pass with impunity. Whereupon it was humbly proposed that the present company, as also whatever other honorable gentlemen the company might select, be formed into a society, and that the members of said society together with their associates, successors, heirs, &c. be distinguished from the "oo" by the title of "Conspirators of Yale College," whose professed and real object shall be, to examine into and rectify all existing abuses-visit judgment on the heads of the waywardencourage the upright-elevate the standard of literature, both among themselves, and throughout the whole college, and in fine, make Yale what it should be-a model for all nations to consult-an object for the whole universe to dwell upon with delight."

"He ceased. No echo gave again

The murmur of the deep'amen.'"

Ebenezer had serious doubts on the matter it would seem, for he was observed at the conclusion of the above speech to be actively engaged in endeavoring to smoke no less than three cigars at one and the same time-a circumstance never before witnessed within college limits, and only to be accounted for on the principles of the excessive agitation caused by conflicting sentiments. They were however

speedily removed by a grave assertion from Enoch, that "the affair was not only undoubtedly practicable, but would also, in all probability, be productive of immense benefit, not only to their own nation, but also to the whole universe."

Here then was a decided solvent to all doubts on the matter, (as who ever heard of a Junior's doubts withstanding, for a moment, the confident assertions of a Senior?) They thereupon proceeded with truly commendable diligence to nominate and elect their associates in this most noble and worthy undertaking. A round dozen was the number first proposed. On this point Enoch insisted at great length, assigning as conclusive reasons, that the above was the exact number of Jacob's children, together with innumerable others, equally appropriate and convincing. Nathaniel, however, in a few brief, though powerful remarks, showed the fallacy of this mode of reasoning, and the evident impropriety of the number proposed, sanctioned as it was, by no college custom.

"He was in favor," he said, "of precisely half that number, as, in the first place, such was the hour at which the college bell summoned all sleepers to a consciousness of their mundane existence. This, too, would be an elegant, and delicate, though still a no less decided compliment to the Faculty for the wisdom displayed in the selection of this hour, and who knows," added he, "but that they will be so highly flattered at this testimonial of our respect for their judgment, that the hour will be suffered to remain unaltered during the ensuing spring and summer? This, all could see, would be a glorious commencement in the work of reform, and many sage conjectures might be formed, that in all probability, the whole number of students throughout college would rise in a body, and testify their gratitude by passing numerous resolutions of thanks to the authors of this improvement, or would, at least, evince their thankfulness by sleeping until the bell rang."

Even Enoch, it would seem, was staggered by these convincing arguments, for he sat speechless, looking pale and blank as death. The matter was thus decided-such arguments were not to be easily controverted. Three additional members were required to constitute the society of sufficient magnitude-but who were to be the honored and happy mortals?

Zimrod Muhlhauser, as rare a specimen of humanity as was ever compounded during even the wildest of dame Nature's freaks, first attracted the attention of all. So evident were bis merits, that not a dissenting voice was raised, when Enoch nominated him as a candidate for immortality. Artemas Kincaid, a worthy of the same stamp, next came under consideration. Let it suffice for him, that he too was deemed worthy of becoming one of the highly favored band of Conspirators.

But now comes the tug of war and the din of resounding strife. On whom were they to decide as their last associate—the key-stone

to their noble arch? All had their eyes on some particular friend, for whom they of a sudden conceived themselves possessed of a most violent affection, never to be intermitted until the election was over. Heaven only knows how matters would have ended, had not Enoch luckily bethought him of a rare device much resorted to, it is surmised, in other than college elections. This was no less than to drop two votes into the ballot box, when passed to him, instead of

one.

This alone, however, would never have decided the matter, had not Ebenezer, as he was about to drop in his own vote, chanced to spy the three snugly stowed away side by side, whereat he was seized by many shrewd doubts as to whether or no he had not already contributed his share in the election. Full of this faith, he forbore from his original intention, and consequently at the next counting out, there was a decided preponderance in favor of the honorable Timothy Tugmutton, alias Tim Tugmutton, alias Tim Tug, which latter was the cognomen usually attached to him.

Ebenezer, it is true, had some vague suspicions as to the justice. of the election, but he wisely resolved to keep them to himself.

The aforesaid honorable gentlemen were thereupon ordered to be summoned forthwith, and Enoch was invested with full and discretionary powers to that effect. Now Timothy had been snoring in deep oblivion of all sublunary affairs for the last few hours, while his other unconscious compeers in dignity were any thing but awakeconsequently no trifling task devolved on Enoch. Had Eurystheus been possessed of common sense, Hercules would hardly have carried off so easily such a weight of glory as he now has in his possession. Perhaps however colleges were not in extensive vogue during ancient times.

To Enoch's eternal honor, however, be it recorded, that he succeeded most nobly, having expended in the operation only two pails of water, whereas it was hardly to be expected that less than half a dozen would suffice, reasoning from the past. They came, piloted by Enoch, and, being ushered with due form into the presence of the remaining august gentlemen, were questioned as to their readiness to engage in the task of reforming mankind. The responses being favorable, they were thereupon inducted into office, having previously assented to the following pledge.

"You do now, at this solemn hour of midnight, with your hands on your hearts, vehemently assert, that you, admitted as members of the Conspiracy, will be true to its interests, faithful to its secrets, preferring even death to its dishonor, and in all things demeaning yourselves like well disposed Conspirators."

Nathaniel Winkler was next elected President. The inaugural address delivered on this occasion was sublime in the highest degree. Thirty thousand copies were at once ordered by the Society to be printed and circulated throughout the country. Nathaniel however

has been heard to intimate that the stenographers employed on the occasion, have erred materially, not having in many instances, by any means, done justice to many of his most lofty ideas. Such as it is, copies can be easily procured at Herrick & Noyes', as also at all the other principal book-stores throughout the United States. For the present let the simple remark suffice, that so dignified, so energetic, so all that is truly sublime was it, that Timothy's snoring was as effectually drowned in its superior melody, as if twenty bass drums had been beat in the room by as many of the most lusty drummers within the state of Connecticut.

To the honorable station of Vice President, Timothy was next elected, whereat, being with great difficulty awakened, he testified much amazement, as also indubitable signs of gratification, to the infinite divertisement of his fellow Conspirators. And now last but not least comes the office of Secretary, to which honorable station Enoch was nominated, and no objections being raised, was forthwith elected.

All things appeared now to be progressing in a most prosperous channel, and one might suppose, so as to diffuse universal satisfaction. But no! on the contrary, much dissatisfaction was visible on the countenances of the remaining trio, inasmuch as the duties of no office appeared as yet about to devolve on them. Fortunately these indications were observed before any very serious consequences had resulted, and Enoch rising, after having briefly shown that the object of all college societies had from time immemorial been to confer honor on their members, (which most evidently could be done in no manner so effectually as by heaping offices upon them,) proposed "that the remaining gentlemen be constituted a "Committee of Ways and Means," for the all-important object of increasing the funds of the Society, liable however to a reprimand from the President, in case the funds were not increased with sufficient rapidity." To the honor of the Conspirators be it recorded, that not a note of remonstrance was raised by a single member, but all things transpired honorably and in the most complete harmony.

Joy was now visible on the countenances of all-already in anticipation were they revelling in pure and unalloyed delight-by their powerful influence Yale College was shaken to its very foundationin imagination they looked forward to the day, when, side by side on the same page that recorded the philanthropic efforts of a Washington, a Bolivar, a Howard, &c. would be seen the illustrious names of Winkler, Kincaid, Muhlhauser, Tugmutton and others, whom all nations delighted in uniting to honor! Already they saw themselves elevated to the highest stations in the land-at their beck corporation dinners innumerable flocked around them, all zealously contending for the honor of being first devoured-before, behind, at their right hand and at their left, flowed whole rivers, full of oysters and turtles, sure presages of things well nigh divine, while kings and

emperors humbly stood by and tremblingly craved permission to sit and partake with them. But no! with most dignified contempt, they resolved" to leave them in their lowly dignities"-set the whole universe at mortal defiance, and, having thus shown a suitable degree of spirit on the occasion, deign once more to stoop and take them under their protection-once more condescend to grant them shelter beneath their protecting wings. Then whole nations would prostrate themselves in gratitude at their feet-their praises

would be heard Patagonia

*far and near China * * *

** *

* ** Nova Zembla
Calif

* * * *

*

The college bell was clattering forth its morning notes, summoning many a weary sleeper to his morning recitation, when Enoch, starting from a slight drowse, which had unaccountably stolen upon him, observed the President giving vent to a most distressing yawnTimothy was observed making several desperate efforts to rouse himself-Ebenezer's arms were seen borne aloft in the undignified act of stretching-Artemas affected to be very busily engaged in searching for his hat, which lay within two feet from where he sat, while Muhlhauser was stumbling over a chair, and snarling forth ten thousand murders at the "vile wretch who had been filching from his pocket his best silk handkerchief." (Poor fellow! he hardly ever saw, much less owned, one of finer texture than cotton!)

"Heavens, Timothy! have you been asleep?" yawned forth Nathaniel.

"Who? I?" rejoined Timothy, "no, no! far from that, I assure you! though from appearances I should judge that you had made an effort to eh?"

"Silence there! no insinuations against the character of a Conspirator!" thundered forth the President. "And now, gentlemen, what shall be the order of the meeting? any farther business before the Society?" A most affecting pause.

"I move an indefinite adjournment," quoth Timothy. Passed without opposition. The President then rose to give his parting speech.

"Fellow Conspirators! the day has now been ushered in whose dawn millions of grateful beings will bless. The pathway to glory, honor, and immortality, has now been marked out to you. It now lies in your power, continuing in this path, to march right onward to renown, or, swerving, to reel and fall into merited infamy and digrace. Pause ere ye decide!

"Let this night's work make you all better men! forswear all intimacy with the low plebeian rabble of your respective classes! avoid them! pass them by with profound contempt, and leave them to wallow in the mire of their own blind gratifications! In your futute peregrinations to and fro, scan with a jealous eye the conduct of fellow students-exercise a paternal affection over them-it