CHAPTER XXVIII.

PHIL ASSUMES A RESPONSIBILITY.

Phil had never met nor even seen a mountain-lion, but he had often heard that its cry sometimes imitates that of a child so closely as to deceive the most expert of hunters. He had heard too of its ferocity, its boldness in attacking human beings, and its terrible strength. In some respects it is even more to be feared than that monarch of the North American wilderness the grizzly bear, for the former, belonging to the cat family, is a famous tree-climber, which the latter is not.

These thoughts, together with all the stories he had ever read of mountain-lions, flashed through the lad's mind in the few minutes that elapsed between the first and third of those terrible cries. Before it could utter another the fearful beast would be upon him, and with tense muscles he braced himself for the coming conflict. He would not have a chance for more than one shot. If it failed him, all would be lost.

The sound of the third wailing cry had hardly died away when, with a gasp half of relief that the suspense was ended, half of dread, Phil caught a momentary glimpse of a brown furry object moving through the trees. It would next appear from behind yonder clump of bushes. The rifle was slowly lifted, a deliberate sight was taken along its shining barrel, and then, as the furry object appeared at the precise point where it was expected, the forest echoed with its ringing shot. But the bullet had not been allowed to fulfil its fatal mission. One blessed instant had been granted, even as the trigger was pressed, in which to give the barrel a slight upward jerk, and deflect the leaden messenger from its deadly course.

The rifle fell from Phil's nerveless hand, as weak and faint he leaned against a friendly tree trunk. As he stood there, staring with still unbelieving eyes, a little fur-clad child, not more than four years old, walking on the tiniest of snow-shoes, came close to him, smiled trustfully up in his face, and, holding out a small mittened hand, said:

"Come, man. Come wif Nel-te. Mamma say come."

If Phil had been nearly paralyzed with horror to discover, as his eye glanced along the levelled rifle-barrel, that he was aiming at a human being, he was almost equally staggered at hearing the fur-clad atom who called himself Nel-te, address him in English. How could it be? Who was he? How came he there, alone in that vast wilderness of trackless forest, ice, and snow? Where had the child spent the night just passed, that had been so filled with terrors to him? How had he lived through it? Where was his mother?

All these questions and more he asked the child, as he sat on a log, and, drawing the little one to him, gazed at him as though he were unreal, and might at any moment vanish as mysteriously as he had come.

But the child evidently had neither the time nor the inclination for explanations. He gravely repelled all the lad's friendly advances, and turned to go away, as though confidently expecting him to follow. As Phil hesitated for a moment he looked back, and in a voice that had a slight tremble, together with a lower lip that quivered just a little, he repeated:

"Come. Mamma say come."

And Phil, picking up his rifle, followed after the unique little figure like one who is dazed. A happy smile lighted the child's face at this compliance with his wish, and after that he plodded sturdily onward without turning his head, as though satisfied that his mission was accomplished. After thus going something less than a quarter of a mile, they emerged from the forest, and came to a log cabin standing on the bank of a small stream.

Though fairly well built, this cabin did not differ in outward appearance from ordinary structures of its kind in that country, save that its single glass window was hung with white curtains. These caught Phil's eye at once, but ere he had time to speculate concerning them his little guide had reached the door. Slipping off the small snow-shoes he pushed it open and entered. Phil followed, but had not taken a single step into the interior ere he started back in dismay.

On the floor close beside the threshold lay an Indian--a tall handsome fellow, but with a terrible gash in one side. From it his life's blood had evidently drained some time before, for it needed but a glance to show that he was dead.

From this startling sight the lad's gaze wandered across the room. It caught the white curtains, a few poor attempts at ornamentation of the walls, an empty hearth, on which was no spark of fire, and then rested on a rude bed in one corner, to which the child had just run with a joyful cry.

On the bed lay a woman, and, to Phil's utter amazement, she was a white woman, who was feebly speaking to him in English. Her bloodless face, terribly emaciated, was surrounded by a wealth of dark brown hair, and her great eyes were fixed on him with a pitiful eagerness.

"Thank God! thank God, sir!" she said, in a voice so near a whisper that Phil was obliged to bend his head to catch the words. "Now that you've come, I can die in peace, for my Nel-te will be cared for. I prayed, oh, how I prayed! But it seemed as if my prayers were to be of no avail, until at length the answer came in the report of your gun. Then I sent the child to find you. And oh, sir. I do thank you for coming. I do thank my Heavenly Father for sending you. And you will care for my baby? You will take him far from here, where he may grow to be a good and useful man? You will, won't you, sir? Promise me. Promise me you will."

"But you mustn't die," answered poor Phil, who was so bewildered by the perplexities of the situation that he knew not what to say. "I have two companions who will know what to do for you, and we will stay until you get stronger. What does it all mean, anyway? Are you wounded? Did that Indian attack you?"

"He was my husband, my Jim," whispered the woman, again opening her eyes, which had closed wearily after her recent effort at talking. "He died for me, and I am dying for him."

Here she was interrupted by a terrible fit of coughing, and a gush of blood from some internal hemorrhage.

After a few minutes she continued: "He shot a moose, and with its last strength it charged on him. When he did not come home I went in search of him. I found them lying together. Jim still breathed. Somehow I managed to bring him home on my back. But he was dead when I got him here, and the strain had been too great for me. I had burst a blood vessel, and had barely strength to crawl to the bed. That was two days ago. I should have died that first night, but fought with death for Nel-te's sake. Now I can go, and I am glad, for I am so weary--so weary."

This pitiful story was told in whispers, with many pauses and many struggles for breath. When it was finished the great pleading eyes again closed, and the woman lay so still that Phil thought she must be dead. He tried to feel of her pulse, but started at the touch of her hand, for it was like ice. The chill of it seemed to reach his very heart, and he shivered in the deadly cold of the room.

"I can at least make a fire," he thought, and he began to search for matches. There were none, and finally bethinking himself of the blaze he had left in the woods he set forth to fetch fire from it. In a few minutes he returned with a couple of burning brands. Then he brought in wood, and, after a little the great fireplace was filled with leaping flames.

Nel-te came to him and begged for water. Phil had noticed several times that the child was eating snow, and now berated himself for not realizing that the little fellow was thirsty. He melted snow in a kettle, and the boy drank eagerly. Then from some hiding-place he produced a smoked salmon that he began to eat ravenously. After a little he paused, looked hesitatingly at Phil, and then shyly, but with inborn hospitality, held out the fish to his guest, saying: "You hungry?"

"Indeed I am, little chap," answered Phil, who was just remembering how very hungry he was, "and I shall be only too glad to take a bite with you." So he cut off a piece of the fish, and as the two ate their strange meal in company Phil knew that the little stranger had won his heart; for never had he felt so drawn to any child as to this one.

While they were thus engaged, the woman again unclosed her eyes, and made a slight movement. Phil held a cup of water to her lips, and she drank thirstily. It seemed to give her strength, for she said:

"You have not promised me, lad. But you will-- I know you will; for God has sent you in answer to my prayers. You will care for my baby, and try to love him, and never let him forget his mother. You will promise, and I know I can trust you, for you have a brave face and honest. You will promise me?"

"I do promise," said Phil, solemnly, "that if you are taken from your boy I will care for him to the best of my ability, and be to him a brother and--"

"That's enough, lad. Now hand him to me, for I canna see him. His name is Nelson McLeod."

This last came in so faint a whisper that Phil barely caught the words; but as he lifted the little one to the bed the woman seemed to gain new strength, for she flung her arms about the child, strained him to her breast, and kissed him.

Then the wasted arms unclosed. She fell back, a smile glorified her face, and the great brown eyes opened for one parting look at her boy. In another moment, with a sigh of content, she fell into the sleep that knows no waking; and Phil, recalling the long-ago story of the missionary, knew that the sorrows of Ellen McLeod were ended.

[TO BE CONTINUED.]

A MINIATURE RAILROAD SYSTEM.

One of the most interesting models perhaps ever made, in a popular way, has been prepared by an English clergyman, the Rev. H. L. Warneford, of Windsor, England. Dr. Warneford has a small yard in the rear of his house, surrounded by an ordinary brick wall, which may be seen in each of the illustrations accompanying this article. Along the rear end of the garden he has built a railroad from wall to wall, in that distance overcoming the inconveniences of the ground which usually require the mechanical ability of railroad builders. The road runs from a little station called Chicago at one end to a small station at the other end known as Jericho. It is complete in every detail, and as thoroughly so as if it were one of the great lines that run across England. The two stations even have advertisements pasted over them, as any ordinary station does; and the terminal facilities, though they are small and rather simple, are in their way as complete as in any full-size railroad.

The track is over 80 feet in length, with a gauge of 2-5/8 inches; and in order that he might get in in these 80 feet all the different forms of railway construction Dr. Warneford has made the track so that it runs over some of the uneven spots in his yard, and in this way, in the places where bridges are required, he has constructed that form of bridge which would naturally be best suited to the particular form of ravine or cavity over which the road is to run. One of the prettiest of these bridges is a thoroughly constructed cantalever bridge, on the form of the great Forth Bridge between Scotland and England, which passes over a little excavation immediately after the train has come out of a long, thoroughly constructed tunnel, the entrance to which appears in two of the illustrations. Another bridge is a perfectly constructed skew arch, which the train crosses a few feet after leaving Chicago. Then comes the model of an American trestle, and after passing over this the road runs through the tunnel, over the cantalever bridge, through a cutting, and finally over a steel tubular bridge into Jericho.

Besides all these constructions, the proportions of which can be easily seen by comparing them with the ordinary size bricks of the stone wall, the road is fully equipped with complete sets of signals, which can be and are worked with telegraph wires and posts. There are not only signals for connections and ordinary use, but Dr. Warneford has even constructed a fog-signal apparatus, which is worked by a spring when the engine passes over it, causing a hammer to fall on a small blank cartridge; and this, exploding, is the signal for the train to come to a stop at a time when, either on account of fog or similar impenetrable mist, the ordinary signals would be of no use.

As to the train itself, that consists of a locomotive, which is a complete model of an ordinary English engine. The steam is generated by spirits, and the engine draws a couple of trucks and a passenger-car. When the steam is up, and the train is started, the reverend gentleman has to run his level best to get to the next station before the train, otherwise it would be "missing." When it does arrive at its destination, the fact is made known by an electric bell ringing automatically; and on close inspection of the photograph of the Jericho station the electric button may be seen at the end of the tracks inside the depot. On the line between the stations there is a signal-box, with levers to work the signals, as complete in its way as any signal-tower in existence; and, as some one said who visited the line a short time ago, the only thing that is lacking on the line is the stentorian call of the conductor, "All tickets ready."

The accompanying illustrations, which are taken from photographs made especially for HARPER'S ROUND TABLE, are interesting in many ways. They were taken during the last winter, when snow was on the ground, and when experiments were being tried with a tiny snow-plough on the front of the engine to see if the track could be cleared. One of the illustrations shows the plough at work in the cutting; and, as any one may see, the job is not a light one to clear the track at that spot. In one or two of the illustrations interesting comparisons may be made as to the size of the bridges and the train with some of the small shrubs which have sprung up near the track; but such are the perfect proportions of the model track, signals, and station that unless some such object is compared with them or the size of the bricks in the wall is noted the photographs might be those of a normal train taken from a great distance.

The parts of the road representing masonry are not, of course, built of true stones, but simply of boards painted to represent them. The bridges, however, are sincere constructions in every part, each "timber" being set in place by itself, and the whole construction made to rely on its own strength, without any false support. The steel tubular bridge Dr. Warneford had made for him, and it will bear the weight of a boy. All the castings for the wheels and machinery of the engine and cars are perfect in their way.

The readers of the ROUND TABLE will remember that last fall we published a photograph of the perfect model of a trolley-car which not only ran by electricity, just as an ordinary car does, but had all the details, even to advertisements, that the trolley has. This trolley-car was an extraordinary piece of work; but whereas the Warneford engine is not more than eight inches long, the trolley was between two and three feet long. The care taken in constructing the English train, engine, and road must have been infinitely greater and the difficulties considerably increased on account of its smaller size; but such work is not impossible for any one with a mechanical turn of mind.

This whole railway, in fact, is a most interesting and suggestive piece of work, and illustrates what mechanical ability and ingenuity can do, and how much amusement and profit even so busy a man as an English clergyman may find in working on such a thing as a hobby.

SOME DONT'S FOR SWIMMERS.

BY WILLIAM HEMMINGWAY.

It is just as dangerous to play with water as it is to play with fire. Probably no sport is more dangerous than swimming, just as none other is quite so delightful. If you use proper caution no exercise is safer than swimming.

But what is proper caution? It is almost impossible to learn how to swim by reading any amount of printed instructions, but it is easy to learn how to take care of one's self in the water. One of the best swimming teachers I ever knew summed it all up in these words: Don't be rash. Don't be frightened. It seems to me that no advice can be better than that. I think that one more rule is safe to follow, Don't "show off."

Let us look at what happens to the rash swimmer and diver. Probably every one of you has known or heard of some poor over-confident fellow who has lost his life by diving overboard without knowing the depth into which he was plunging. Nothing can be more dangerous. There is a fine swimming-beach at the upper part of the Harlem River, near Farmers' Bridge, on the Manhattan Island shore. There are bath-houses in plenty, and a long stretch of firm sandy shore. One of the best oarsmen of his year went swimming there a few years ago. He had just come to the end of five months' hard training and racing. During that long period swimming had been forbidden to men in the crew, because it was feared that they might tire themselves out at it, and use up strength that should be applied to rowing. But now the restraints of training were off, and J---- was having a delightful frolic with his friends. He was a strong swimmer and a graceful diver. Running down the beach he splashed out until he was knee-deep in the river, and then gathered himself for a dive. He plunged head first on a sand-bar. His neck was dislocated. He did not live five minutes.

That young man had been swimming from the same place last year. He thought he was familiar with the shore. Really he had forgotten just where it was safe to dive. If he had been cautious enough to ask his comrades, or even to wade out a little further and learn the depth for himself, he would not have lost his life.

Do you think it childish to be cautious? Put away the idea. The bravest men are nearly always the most careful.

"Your Majesty knows not what fear is," said a courtier to King Oscar of Sweden, who had fought in many hand-to-hand battles with wonderful success.

"The man who does not know what fear is," replied the King, "is a fool."

And fear is only another name for over-cautiousness.

"No matter how well you think you know a swimming-place, take nothing for granted. So many changes take place in a year. Sand bars are formed by the tides. If you dive from a pier, how can you know without actually investigating what timber may have been swung loose by the water's action since last year, and be now lurking for you beneath the surface? And as for swimming in strange water, never do it without learning all you can about the conditions. Henry Guy and I were chumming for bluefish in Fire Island Inlet recently. We had fine luck for a while. Suddenly the bluefish disappeared. After waiting idly a few minutes I began to yearn for a swim. The air was very warm, and the cool, green water was rippling a thousand invitations. Just as I was about to dive off the stern of our cat-boat the skipper touched my arm and shook his head.

"Don't!" he exclaimed.

"Why not?"

"Sharks."

That was all of the conversation. Before I was half dressed the skipper touched my arm and pointed at a long, dark gray object that loafed along against the tide six or eight feet below our keel. It was a shark. My hair bristled. You see it is advisable to know sometimes just where you are "at."

Diving is certainly the best way for you to enter the water--always provided that you know all about its depth. Nothing can be more unhealthful than the dawdling habit of wading out ankle-deep or knee-deep, and waiting to get your courage up. The hot sun beats down on your head. Your feet and legs are in the cool water whose temperature is anywhere from ten to twenty-five degrees lower than that of the air.

You can't remain long under these conditions without injuring yourself. Nature's plan is to have the head cool and the extremities warm. Go contrary to this, and you are in trouble. Probably most of you can remember having had a headache some time or other from this very cause. Indeed, physicians will tell you that many attacks of cramps in the water are due to the swimmer's foolish habit of wading in very slowly. Deranged circulation causes cramps. In places where it is not safe to dive you can easily stoop over and throw a few handfuls of water on your head. Then hurry forward and throw yourself in--fall in. Will other fellows laugh at your precautions? Well, let them laugh, and pay for it with the twinges of cramps. I have been swimming twenty years, and I've never had a cramp, simply because I've followed the rules laid down here.

Never let yourself be frightened in the water. A boy I know found himself far outside of the breakers at Cape May. He swam deep--that is, with his feet far below him--and found that in spite of his efforts he was making no headway, or very little. Instead of howling for help, and using up his strength in struggles that would drown him before help could arrive, he put his wits to work. He soon found that the off-shore current was below the surface, and that at the very top of the water the flow was toward the shore. Thereupon he drew up his legs and swam as near the surface as he could. Even then it was a long swim for a twelve-year-old boy, but he got the beach under his feet at last. Another boy I know was dragged far out by a "sea-puss" at Long Branch--one of those deadly, swift, sudden currents that pounce on a bather unawares and carry him away from shore. This boy waved his arm and shouted for help. When he saw the men on shore running toward a surf-boat he calmly turned over on his back and devoted all his energies to floating. He had been carried nearly a mile before he was rescued. If either one of these boys had been frightened he probably would have drowned.

This Department is conducted in the interest of Girls and Young Women, and the Editor will be pleased to answer any question on the subject so far as possible. Correspondents should address Editor.

I heard of a society the other day, a society which has a beautiful name. I am sure you will agree with me about the name when I tell you that it is called "The Cheer and Comfort Society." Its object is to send good reading matter, particularly magazines, papers, and interesting books, to people too poor to obtain them by purchase, and not likely to get them from lending libraries, and the lady who can tell you all about the society and its work is Miss Emily Campbell, of Short Hills, New Jersey.

The sweet words "Cheer" and "Comfort" are repeating themselves in music in my mind as I write. Perhaps you would like to know where I am writing this Pudding Stick letter to you, dear girls. Well, the place is in the country, in a lovely valley with green hills rising around it on every side, and standing like guardian sentinels about the pleasant homes which are scattered over the breezy fields and plains beneath them. The morning is very cool, and the blue sky is just breaking through the heavy clouds which a while ago threatened rain. Wrapped in a shawl, think of it you who are reading this on a day too warm for shawls, and established in a big easy-chair, with my paper resting on a book in my lap, I am thinking of you. I write these little letters almost always in this way; they seem more intimate and confidential than if I sat down beside my desk, and shut my door, and put on a sort of let-me-alone-if-you-please business air. I fancy that most of the letters I receive from you are written in this same easy and friendly way, and that you keep your note-paper in little boxes and portfolios, and perhaps sometimes in a dear old atlas, which makes a delightful portfolio.

To go back to "Cheer" and "Comfort." There are always chances in life to do both, for turn where you will, there are those who are in need of help. Not always bodily help. Often those who have every earthly thing they need--shelter, money, food, clothing, books, all sorts of opportunities--are in want of the heavenly things which "cheer" and "comfort" mean. They are depressed, low in their spirits, sad, and troubled. They are even cross and disagreeable because they are unhappy. To such persons young people, with bright faces and light hearts, can bring both the cheer that gives courage and the comfort that takes away pain. You haven't to do anything in a grand and heroic fashion either. Simply be yourselves, and let the gladness that is in you bubble up and overflow, and you will make tired people happier.

Two school-girls sat behind me in a car the other day, chatting together in low voices, and laughing immoderately every few minutes at the happenings of their day. Bless them, the sweet, gay, merry-hearted creatures! The car seemed lonesome after they reached their station, and went tripping along the road up the long hill to their home out of sight from my point of view. Just be yourselves, dears, and you will make older people happy. I sent a loving little word of thanks after my school-girls, for they had been a help to me. If they read the ROUND TABLE, here's a bit meant for them.

One afternoon, passing a church on a city street, I read this announcement on a bulletin-board at the door, "The Pleasant Words Society will meet at four o'clock." Wasn't that fine? The "_pleasant_ words" society! Whatever we think of, however we feel, we may speak pleasantly, our words and our tones being in our own control. The effort to speak pleasantly will usually cause us to feel pleasant, and it is pleasant people--people who please--who get together and form societies and clubs. Who ever heard of a Fault-finders Society or a Cross Words Society? Fretful fault-finders have to sit in corners alone.

Another society of which I know is the T.M.D.S., which, being interpreted, is the Ten Minutes a Day Society. This is an association of young girls which requires of its members only that they shall devote ten minutes every day, or sixty minutes every week, to sewing, or in some other way working for orphans and the poor. It sends garments to hospitals and asylums, boxes to home and foreign missions, and accomplishes a wonderful deal of good, by simply using ten minutes of each day in a bit of unselfish work.

This Department is conducted in the interest of Amateur Photographers, and the Editor will be pleased to answer any question on the subject so far as possible. Correspondents should address Editor Camera Club Department.

PAPERS FOR BEGINNERS, NO. 3.

GETTING READY TO DEVELOP.

If there is one place more than another where one needs to be methodical it is in the dark room. It is lighted but dimly, and groping about for materials or apparatus often results in disaster to that most susceptible of all things, the sensitive plate. One should have his materials so arranged that he can put his hand on any one in the dark.

Besides knowing where the materials are, and always having them in their place, the materials and apparatus used for developing should be placed the same way each time when arranging them for developing. Place the hypo-tray far enough away, and in such a position, that there shall be no danger of getting any of the hypo into the developer. If the water for rinsing the plates is at the right hand of the developing-tray, place the hypo-tray at the left hand of the water. Then in washing the developer from the plate before placing it in the hypo it will be clear of the developer, and if one is unlucky enough to let the plate slip into the hypo, drops will not spatter into the developer.

Never, under any circumstances, set a vessel on the floor which contains any liquid beside water. The dismay which has followed an unfortunate step in the dark, when one has set the hypo-tray on the floor with a well-developed plate "fixing" in it, can only be understood and appreciated by the amateur who has been so rash as to invite such a disaster.

Get the water for washing and rinsing the plates ready first, and if one has running water this means simply attaching the hose to the faucet and getting the washing box ready. Next fill the hypo-tray and put it in its place, then the developing-trays should be placed in front of the lantern, and the developing solution mixed in the glass graduate ready for use.

Look at the lantern and be sure that there is enough candle or oil to last during the developing. To be left in darkness with a plate at its most critical point of development is, to say the least, a great annoyance.

See that the dishes are perfectly clean. This should always be attended to after each development. It not only saves time, but the possibility of fresh solutions being spoiled by the decomposing of chemicals left in the trays is thus avoided.

Having everything in readiness--the bottles of restrainer and accelerator where they will be at hand if needed--get the plates which are to be developed. These should be placed on a convenient shelf, or stand where they will be out of the way of liquids, but where they can be easily reached. If the plates are still in the holder, of course they do not need to be covered, as they are already shut away from the light, but if they have been removed from the holders and placed in a box, have a cover from a larger plate box to turn over the box after it is open. This will prevent fogging the plates, and is easier to adjust than the cover which fits the box.

It is a good plan to provide one's self with light wooden covers a little larger than the trays. These can be made from cigar boxes, and a little white porcelain knob, such as druggists use on small drawers, screwed on for handles. The cover for the hypo-tray should have a white band painted across it, or marked in some way by which it may be easily distinguished from the covers for the developing-trays. These covers are very convenient to place over the trays if one wishes to leave the dark room for a moment, or to open the door to admit a little fresh air. They can also be placed over a tray when the plate is first covered with the developer if the plate is extremely sensitive. A screw eye can be put in the end of the cover to hang it up by when not in use.

Having once decided on the most convenient way for arranging the materials for developing, stick to it. The task of finding and using what is needed will soon become mechanical, and the mistakes which occur from a haphazard way of arranging the developing outfit will be avoided.

In the next paper for beginners we shall suggest some home-made appliances for the dark room which have been designed by skilful amateurs for saving time, space, and money. Any of our amateurs who have improved ways of doing things are requested to send descriptions to the Camera Club. We have already several on hand, which will be published in their appropriate places. When sending a description of home-made apparatus, send a photograph with it if possible.

KING ARTHUR AND HIS KNIGHTS.

I.--UTHER PENDRAGON, THE FATHER OF ARTHUR.

Jack and Mollie had joined the Order of the Knights and Ladies of the Round Table, and had become Sir Jack and Lady Mollie in consequence. They were proud of it, too, not so much because of the titles they were thereby permitted to use, but because they knew that it was a great thing to be knightly enough to become members of a society which had high aims and lofty purposes in view. They were both sturdy little Americans, and to be known as _Sir_ Jack and _Lady_ Mollie did not add at all to the good opinions they had of themselves, except in so far as these honorable prefixes to their names showed that they were members in good standing of a flourishing organization.

Who the original Knights of the Round Table were and what they had done they did not know, but they set about finding out as soon as they received their membership cards, for, as Jack said, "What's the use of going into a thing without finding out all about it?" And Mollie, as usual, agreed that that was the thing to do.

So they asked their father about it, and it turned out that he knew very little more about the Knights of the original Round Table than they did. He did know that at the head of the table had sat a certain King of England, Arthur by name, who was a Knight of great prowess, but beyond this he was quite ignorant on the subject. He said, however, that he would look the matter up when he had time, and let them know whatever he might discover. And he did so, and whenever he discovered anything which he thought would interest the children, he would tell them about it.

"Arthur's father, according to the legends," said their father, "was King of England, and his name was Uther Pendragon."

"What a terrible name," said Mollie.

"It was indeed," said the story-teller. "It was meant to be, for the title Pendragon signified in those days that he who bore it was the chief leader in war, which is a terrible thing. Uther Pendragon, the King, married Ingraine, who was beautiful and good, and Arthur was their son, but for some reason or other it was thought well that the boy should be brought up in ignorance of who his parents were, and on the advice of Merlin he was sent away to a certain lord of Uther's land, one of the noblest and most faithful of his day, who would look carefully after the bringing up of the child, and see to it that he should become well fitted in every way for the position he was some day to occupy. Merlin had looked into the future, and had seen that Arthur would grow to be a better man if he were kept away from his father's court, where in all probability every one would have flattered and spoiled him, and lead him to believe that he was a much finer fellow than he really was. So Arthur was sent to Sir Ector, who brought him up as his own son, and no one but the King and Queen and Merlin really knew that he was a Prince, and would some day become King of England."

"I'm glad they don't do things that way nowadays. I'd hate to be brought up by one of the neighbors without knowing that you were my papa."

"Must have been worse than going to boarding-school," said Mollie.

"Well, however that may be," said the story-teller, "it was a good thing for Arthur, for he was well brought up, and he made a good friend in Sir Ector's son Kaye, with whom he spent most of his time, and whom he believed to be his brother, and when Uther died and it became necessary to put some one in his place, he made his claims to the office of King much greater by having to prove that he was fitted for it, not so much because of the fact that he was Uther's son, which some ill-natured, jealous Princes who wanted to be King said he was not, but because of his wonderful prowess, which he showed when the time came. It was but two years after Arthur was born that King Uther was taken sick, and all the rebellious lords in his kingdom thought that the time had come for them to rise up against him, but Merlin went to the King and told him that even though he was ill it was necessary for him to go out and fight the enemy, and Uther, sick as he was, went into the battle carried on a litter and took command of his forces. Aided by two splendid knights, who were among his closest friends, Sir Ulfius and Sir Brastias, Uther fought a great battle at St. Albans with the forces from the North, in which he was victorious, and after which he returned to London. Here within a short while he died, first having gathered his Barons about him, and at the suggestion of Merlin proclaimed his son Arthur his successor. Then, as the chronicles tell, the kingdom was in great danger for a long time. Years passed, and all the lords who were strong and possessed of small armies of their own wished to make themselves King, and doubtless one of them would have succeeded had it not been for Merlin, who, when Arthur had become old enough to make his plans possible, went to the Archbishop of Canterbury and persuaded him to summon all the lords and gentlemen at arms to appear in London on Christmas eve. Now these men all stood in great fear of the Archbishop, because the Archbishop stood for the Church, and not one of them dared disobey. So Christmas eve found them, one and all, gathered in London as Merlin had wished, for Merlin hoped, in the words of the legend, that, gathered on Christmas eve, the lords of the kingdom might by some miracle from Heaven be shown who should become the rightful King of England, in which hope he was not disappointed, as you will shortly see."

[TO BE CONTINUED.]

The date of the dual games between Andover and Worcester Academies has been definitely set for next Saturday, and the arrangements have been put in charge of Colonel Sam Winslow, who was Captain of the champion Harvard nine of 1885. These games, which were spoken of in greater detail in this Department last week, will take place in Worcester on the same day the Western Massachusetts I.S.A.A. will hold its annual track and field meeting on Pratt Field, Amherst. From the interest already manifest the latter should be the most interesting and profitable sports ever held in that section. Monson Academy has won the championship for the past three years, but the other schools of the League have now determined to make a desperate effort to change the established order of things. My opinion is that they will succeed, and that the pennant will go either to Chicopee or to Springfield. It will be no walk over in any case, for the Amherst, Westfield, and Holyoke High-schools have strong men, and will make a good showing both on the track and in the field.

The 100-yard dash has always been a hard-fought race, and this year it will be closer than ever. E. J. Murphy, of Springfield H.-S., will probably win, however, with Schute of Westfield second, and Phillips of Monson third. The same men will dispute the places in the 220. Kennedy of Springfield H.-S. ought to take the quarter, although he will not, by any means, have an easy victory, for Schute, in spite of his many previous heats in the dashes, will run hard. Thayer of Holyoke is a pretty sure winner in the half-mile. In practice he has covered the distance in 2.07, and I feel confident that he can do better in public. Christy of Monson is the best man for the mile. Last year he ran in 4 min. 38 sec. on time, but injured his ankle just previous to the I.S.A.A. meeting, and then covered the distance in 4 min. 55 sec. Shea of Chicopee H.-S. has covered 19 feet in broad jumping, and ought to win that event Saturday. Scott of Westfield H.-S. will take the high jump, and ought to clear at a good figure, as he did 5 ft. 7-1/2 in. in-doors last winter. The pole vault will furnish a hot struggle between Smith of Springfield H.-S., Bryant of Chicopee H.-S., Austin of Monson Academy, and Scott. The winner will have to go 10 feet, and I should not wonder if the best performance even exceeded that mark.

The Western Massachusetts Association, in addition to a one-mile bicycle race, has a half-mile event for the wheelmen, and Elmer of Chicopee H.-S. is expected to finish first in both of these. Sullivan of Holyoke H.-S. and Pike of Springfield H.-S. will get places. In the hurdles, Phillips of Monson and Baker of Amherst are about even, and their race will be as exciting a contest as the day will afford. They will be closely pushed by Barry of Chicopee H.-S. and Stiler of Westfield H.-S., both of whom are strong runners and clever at clearing the sticks. In the weight events the Monson men will try to maintain the record they established by winning first place in both for the past five years. Austin has put the shot nearly 35 ft., and may do better, but he will have formidable rivals in O'Connor of Holyoke H.-S., Spence of Chicopee H.-S., and Winslow of Amherst H.-S., all of whom can do better than 30 ft. But Chisem will, beyond a doubt, take the hammer event, with O'Connor second, and Bush of Westfield H.-S. third.

The championship of the Pennsylvania Inter-academic Baseball League was decided on Friday, May 24th, when Germantown Academy defeated the Cheltenham Military Academy nine at Stenton. This is the second consecutive time that the Germantown team has taken the pennant with a clean record of victories, and this last victory of theirs is all the more creditable because of the strength of the opposing team. The feature of the players' work the past season has been the pitching and batting of McCarty, the fielding of Captain Sharpe at short-stop, and the strong batting of the entire nine. All their victories have been won by heavy hitting at opportune moments. On Friday especially McCarty distinguished himself. In addition to making three hits that were factors in the victory, he struck out fifteen of the Cheltenham batters. Lamberton, who was in the box for the soldiers, also pitched a good game, but he was so poorly supported at times that his work did not count for much.

The Pennsylvania Interscholastic championship having been settled, there now remains the New England championship, the decisive game of which will be played in Boston on Friday, and the Inter-City championship of the N.Y. and Long Island I.S.B.B. Associations, which will be decided at Eastern Park on Saturday.

Another important and decisive baseball game will be the Andover-Lawrenceville match at Andover a week from to-morrow. This will be the third annual contest between these two big schools, and I am glad to record that neither nine just now is burdened with over-confidence. Andover won the first two matches of the series, by the scores of 5-4, in 1893, and 5-2, in 1894. This year, however, the teams are so nearly matched that it is hardly possible to forecast the result of next week's game. Of last year's Andover players only three have returned to school, the rest of the nine being new players, with whom Captain Drew has labored hard and conscientiously to develop a winning team. But with Drew behind the bat, and Greenway or Sedgwick in the box, P.A. has a battery that it will be hard to find the equal of on any school baseball team. The infield, however, is weak. Barton, at first, plays well, but should cover more territory, and have more confidence in himself. For a man of his small stature Harker covers second in pretty good style, but both he and Elliott, at third, are erratic and somewhat unreliable at critical moments. Edwards has taken Davis's place at short for the past week or two, and has proved equal to Captain Drew's most sanguine expectations. Lawrenceville need not count on any base hits through his territory, as his fielding is clean and his throwing sure. The outfield is much stronger than the infield. Dayton at centre, and Greenway or Sedgwick at left, are sure catchers and strong throwers. Waddell, at right, is the best man in the position that P.A. has had for years, covering all his own territory and part of his neighbors', and throwing with the precision of a veteran. Several times this year he has thrown men out at the plate who were running home from third after a fly caught in deep right field. As for batting, the Andover players have only fair ability, Greenway, Sedgwick, Barton, and Drew being the heaviest hitters. The team work I consider poor, but this will doubtless be greatly improved before the day of the game.

At Lawrenceville the natural opportunities for practice and for the perfection of team-work are no greater than at Andover, but the school system is such that fine ball players are a necessary result of its enforcement. Every scholar at the Lawrenceville School, unless physically disabled, must play ball for at least an hour every day in the spring-time. In the autumn everybody has to play football. In this manner no man goes without exercise, and the best material at hand is discovered and developed. When I was at Lawrenceville last week, nine diamonds were in full operation at one and the same time. In the fall there are eleven football fields in use daily. No wonder Lawrenceville sends good material to the colleges.

As for the team this year, it is about up to the average of former seasons. Kafer, who has been catching for three years, is Captain, and is doing very satisfactory work. His batting is sometimes erratic, but in a recent game with Pennington he lined out a home run with the bases full in the ninth inning, thus saving the day, as the score then stood 4 to 1 against Lawrenceville. Arrott, the pitcher, is doing well for his second year in baseball. He has not very full control of the ball, but his curves are good, and he possesses more than the average speed. In addition to this, he keeps cool and plays a steadier game as the innings go by. Ross, Righter, and Cadwalader cover the bases, and so far this season Ross has maintained the highest average, scarcely making an error. Righter is a poor thrower, but his batting is very strong. With a little longer experience Cadwalader will develop into one of the best men on the team, and if he can get off some of his 200 pounds of flesh his running would be vastly bettered. McGibbon, at short, is a clean fielder and an accurate thrower; in addition, he bats well. He and Edwards of Andover will no doubt furnish some grand-stand plays for the delectation of their followers. The fielders are only of average ability. As a whole, the nine seems to fall out of harmony in almost every game, and on several occasions this weakness has almost proved disastrous. But most of the players are new men this year, and will be better seasoned a week from now.

In spite of the heavy rain-storm of May 18th the Princeton Interscholastic Tennis Tournament was held at Princeton, resulting in the championship remaining at Lawrenceville. Several of the contestants failed to appear on account of the bad weather, but the playing was nevertheless spirited and exciting. In the finals, Beaman of Lawrenceville met his schoolmate Richards, who had won by default from Robb, and defeated him only after five hard sets, 6-2, 3-6, 9-11, 6-2, and 6-0. By virtue of Beaman's victory the championship silver cup now becomes the permanent property of Lawrenceville.

Scholastic track and field meetings are being held in so many different places just at this season that it is difficult to keep account of them. On May 25th the New York State I.S.A.A. met on the Syracuse University Field under the auspices of the Syracuse High-School and the Cornell A.C., and the Ithaca High-School won by making 31 points. Her nearest rivals were Rochester High with 21, and Buffalo High with 18-1/2 points. Seven schools were represented. At the first spring meet of the Hotchkiss School, Lakeville, there were some good records made. Dyer won the 100 in 10-3/5 sec., and the 220 in 23 sec.; Sanford covered the mile in 5 m. 22-4/5 sec.; Hixon cleared 5 ft. 4-1/2 in. in the high jump; and Conner covered 20 ft. 10 in. in the broad jump. The Hotchkiss athletes will no doubt be heard from at the Connecticut I.S.A.A. games on Saturday.

As has been the case with a number of Eastern field days, rain interfered with the success of the California Academic Athletic League's meeting on May 4th, and few of the athletes were able to do good work. Dawson ran the quarter in one minute flat on a heavy track. McConnell cleared 18 ft. 6 in. in the broad jump, and got a bad scare from Cooley, a new man, untrained, who came dangerously close to him. Cooley will show up well next year, and would, no doubt, have done better if the conditions had been more favorable. The Oakland High-School and San Jose High-School held a fifty-mile bicycle road race relay, last week, of which I hope to be able to speak more in detail as soon as space is available. It was an exciting event, and is a good thing for Eastern bicycle-riders to think of, for there are many places in the neighborhood of New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Hartford, and other cities where similar races might be arranged.

Although baseball seemed to languish in the early part of the season, the A.A.L. completed a successful schedule on May 18th, when the Oakland High-School defeated the Alameda University Academy 9 to 1. The O.H.-S. team started out strongly, and had the reputation of the '94 nine clinging to it, '94's players having been the strongest amateur team of California that year. Hall at first, Lanyon in the box, and McCabe behind the bat, were the steadiest players this season. Lanyon caught last year, and is cool, strategic, and quick. He has good speed and good curves, and safe control of the ball. McCabe is a very calm player, bats well, but is weak in throwing to bases. The team work of the nine was good, and in several cases won them games against stronger teams.

As soon as the regular Interscholastic League season of baseball, tennis, track athletics, and cricket closes there will be more time to devote to other branches of sport. During the summer months tennis, rowing, swimming, and sailing will receive their share of attention in this Department, and from the looks of things just now there is every promise that yachting and small-boat racing will be more popular this year than ever before. Many of the large clubs have introduced special classes on their racing programmes. In addition to the Larchmont 21-footers and 34-raters, the Seawanhaka's half-raters, and the Douglaston dingies, the Indian Harbor Yacht Club are now trying to promote a 20-foot racing length, or one-rater class. The imported boats _Wave_ and _Shrimp_ will form a good nucleus to start with, and I understand that several members of the club have promised to build racers of this class.

Probably the most interesting and exciting contests in the small-boat class will be the sharpie races of the Shelter Island Sharpie Club. This club was organized two years ago with about twenty members, and has grown rapidly in size and popularity. A regular race is sailed every week over a club course of five miles, and three races are sailed around Shelter Island during the season, a distance of twenty-five miles. These races are always most exciting, for the boats are limited to 16 ft. on the water-line, with no limit to the sail area. Consequently some of them get over-rigged, and an occasional upset adds zest to the sport. In addition to these races the Sharpie Club holds athletic games, including, among other events, swimming, rowing, weight-throwing, etc., and at the end of the season medals are awarded to the best all-round athletes. Last year the sharpie _Frolic_, owned by S. M. and G. H. Milliken, won the highest number of points, with the _Chip-Chip_, owned by H. V. Whitney, and the _Mary Jane_, owned by A. E. Whitney, tied for second place. In the athletic events H. V. Whitney took first, with W. B. Cowperthwait second.

The New England Interscholastic baseball season has thus far proved most interesting. A number of the games have already required more than nine innings play to determine the winner, and so far the Cambridge High and Latin nine has escaped defeat. At the present date of writing the standing of the clubs in the N.E.I.S.B. League is:

Per Clubs. Won. Lost. cent.

Cambridge High and Latin 2 0 1.000 Hopkinson 3 1 .750 Boston Latin 1 1 .500 English High 1 1 .500 Roxbury Latin 1 1 .500 Somerville High 0 3 .000

The Hopkinson players received their first defeat on Friday, the 17th, but they played a good game, and showed the results of Joe Upton's coaching. The batting especially has improved. Hopkinson and C.H.&L. will have a hot fight for the pennant. Dakin of the English High-school is pitching up to his old form again, and held Somerville High down to a single hit in their recent game, which E.H.-S. won by the score of 14 to 1. But S.H.-S is one of the weakest teams in the League. The Roxbury Latin nine show want of practice, and their only redeeming virtues just now are the pitching of Morse and their general batting strength. But the New England school teams are all well provided with good pitchers this season, so that Morse's proficiency counts for little when it comes to a decisive contest. Team-work, after all, should be the mainstay of every nine.

In the tabulated record of the N.Y.I.S.A.A. games printed on p. 538 of Harper's Round Table of May 21st, a typographical error shows Hackett's time in the mile walk as 7 min. 4-2/5 sec. instead of 7 min. 46-2/5 sec., which it should be.

THE GRADUATE.

PHILADELPHIA, PA. EDITOR OF THE ROUND TABLE:

SIR,--I noticed in the first number of HARPER'S ROUND TABLE a reference to the "timid people" who object to football. There have been many other remarks of this kind, at various times, made in the Round Table. If you can grant me a little space, I should like to point out the injustice of sneers of this kind.

In the first place, in order that it may not be said (as it generally is said when any one lifts up his voice against the game) that I am ignorant of the subject, I may say that I am a football player myself in a small way, and until recently was heartily in favor of the game. My position is thus rather inconsistent, but it is that of many other sincere well-wishers of the game. The objection to the game that seems to me most important is its roughness, both necessary and unnecessary. First as to the latter. It is all very well to say that if players would behave like gentlemen, this would be done away with. This may be so, but it is not in the nature of boys or men, in the midst of an exciting struggle on the gridiron, to keep calm, and control their strength and their temper. In their excitement they will do things that they are sorry for afterwards, and I have never seen anything proposed that would prevent such things.

Then football as played at present is a game in which there is abundant opportunity for the natural brute to display himself. It is claimed that the game teaches one to control his temper; but I think it just as often gives one an opportunity to vent it on some one else. The remedy proposed for this--to have several umpires--should be repulsive in the extreme to every true sportsman. A game in which the players have to be watched lest they commit murder on each other is simply unfit for a gentleman to play. If that is to be done, why not call in the police at once, as they did in the Yale-Princeton game last fall.

The _necessary_ roughness of the game is considered by some to be an advantage, in that it teaches courage and endurance, and develops the physique of the players. But is not that a sort of "kill or cure" method? Surely one can develop his body without risking his life! A man or a boy has no right to risk life and limb in a game simply because if he escapes injury he will be more healthy than before. I am not exaggerating; a broken limb, a strained back, or some similar injury, is not such a trifling matter as some seem to think. To say the least, it means several weeks taken from our work in life, which is a big price to pay for one afternoon's fun. The development of our strength can be procured in better ways than that. Our bodies were given to us to be used, not abused.

That the game is a fascinating one I would be the last to deny, having played it myself. In its present state, however, I do not see how anyone who candidly and fairly considers the arguments of the opponents of the game can hold to the opinion that it is a fit game for school-boys or collegians, without changes of the most radical nature.

In this letter, the length of which I hope you will pardon, I have said nothing about the other objections to football urged by many, for most of these do not concern the actual game, and will probably correct themselves in time; but I wish to point out that something must be done to rid the game of its objectionable features, and also that it is unjust and discourteous to those who oppose the game from conscientious motives to brand them as weaklings and cowards.

C. S. WOOD, R.T.F.

[Mr. Wood brings out many interesting points in his letter regarding football, and though most of his objections to the game refer more to intercollegiate than to interscholastic football, still, to a certain degree, they apply to both. We do not deny that the game is rough and dangerous; but what was meant in the phrase to which Mr. Wood refers was not that people are timid who do not approve of football, but that those people who say that football is the most dangerous game there is, that it is cruel, that it should be stopped by law, that it is worse than the gladiatorial combats of ancient Rome, are either timid or not in their right senses. Football is not as rough as polo; it is not as dangerous as coasting (as coasting is now understood); it is not as dangerous as cross-country riding, and the proportion of injuries in both polo and cross-country riding is far greater than those in football. The facts of the case are that so much has been written and so much said implying that the game is necessarily a villanous game, that many people who know nothing about it, have grown to talk about it, and depreciate it because they fancy it contains injuries which it does not contain. These people have done a great deal to bring a fine game for boys into bad odor, and it is to these, and not to those who understand the game--both its good and its bad points--that the remark referred to was addressed.--THE EDITOR.]

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=HARPER'S CATALOGUE= thoroughly revised, classified, and indexed, will be sent by mail to any address on receipt of ten cents.

This Department is conducted in the interest of Bicyclers, and the Editor will be pleased to answer any question on the subject. Our maps and tours contain much valuable data kindly supplied from the official maps and road-books of the League of American Wheelmen. Recognizing the value of the work being done by the L. A. W. the Editor will be pleased to furnish subscribers with membership blanks and information so far as possible.

This week's map explains itself. It is a unique chart of the city of Brooklyn, showing by black lines the asphalted or macadamized streets within the city limits, and by corduroy lines those main avenues which, though paved with granite pavement, are fair riding, and which make the best exits from the city.

In the first place, it should be mentioned that on Sundays and holidays the Kings County Elevated Railroad of Brooklyn has a car, or throws the smoking-car open, for the use of bicyclists, who, carrying their wheels up the steps to the station, may put them on the train, and ride from the Bridge or Fulton Ferry out on Liberty Avenue to the city limits, from whence it is good riding out into Long Island. On other days bicycles cannot be carried on the elevated trains from Fulton Ferry after 3 P.M., nor from East New York before 10 A.M.

If the bicyclist intends to ride through the city from New York, he should take the ferry at Grand Street, and follow in the corduroy roads, and, leaving Broadway, get into Bedford Avenue. Bedford Avenue carries him on asphalt pavement to the Boulevard, and turning left into this, he rides until he strikes granite pavement at East New York Avenue. Turning again to the left into East New York Avenue, he continues until he reaches the fork, and then keeps to the right into Liberty Avenue, riding out Liberty Avenue, and so out of the city. Another course from Grand Street is by ferry to Broadway, Williamsburg, which is shorter but perhaps not so good riding, thence out Broadway direct to Wall Street, turn left into this and right into Bushwick Avenue to Jamaica Avenue, which is a turn to the left, and is a continuation of East New York Avenue, and soon to the left again into Highland Boulevard, which skirts along the cemetery, Highland Park, and the Ridgewood Reservoir. This is somewhat hilly, but commands a beautiful view of the city and of Jamaica Bay and the ocean, and is the most picturesque way of getting out of Brooklyn. Continuing on the Highland Boulevard, and running down the hill on Barbey Street, which is very steep, he comes again into Jamaica Avenue, and may keep on this, which is not very good riding, but nevertheless carries him out of Brooklyn towards Jamaica. The most direct route out of the city is, of course, on Jamaica Avenue. The Highland Avenue detour is hilly, and affords an opportunity for the rider to get a good view of the city.

Everything considered, however, for any one who is down-town in New York city, or who lives in the central part of Brooklyn proper, decidedly the best method is to take the Kings County Elevated as described above, and, on the whole, this is the better plan also for any one going from New York, for the only other route from Thirty-fourth Street down is by the Thirty-fourth Street ferry, thence to Manhattan Avenue, after going two blocks from the ferry-house, turning right and crossing Newtown Creek. Thence turn left into Driggs Avenue, and run a block and a half to Ewen Street, and from there on into Broadway, and so as described. There is no way in which a Brooklynite can ride out into Long Island without going over some granite pavement, since the only asphalted or macadamized road is the Boulevard, running from the circle at the entrance of Prospect Park to East New York Avenue. After going beyond the city limits on Liberty Avenue the road is better, but this will be described in the Long Island maps which are to be published in this Department.

There are, however, in the city of Brooklyn many pleasant rides for an afternoon which are almost entirely on asphalted or macadamized roads. For example, using the map, any rider from Brooklyn Heights, or a New-Yorker crossing the Bridge or Fulton Ferry, may easily get to the circle at Prospect Park by keeping on asphalted roads to the south and west of Fulton Avenue. For example, on leaving Fulton Ferry, the rider should make for Hicks Street by the shortest route, turning thence left, keeping to asphalt pavement, until he reaches Schermerhorn Street, thence direct to Flatbush Avenue, and so on to the circle at the entrance to the Park. Running through the Park on any of the roads, he should leave it on the south at Franklin Avenue by the parade-ground, thence turning to the right on Franklin Avenue, keeping on until he reaches the Ocean Parkway, which is now the famous bicycle route to Manhattan Beach. This in itself is a pleasant ride.

Another and quite as attractive a route in this way is to continue on the Ocean Parkway until reaching Parkville, thence turn to the right into the Old Bath Road, which is nearly all macadamized at this writing, and will be entirely so within the next month or two. The rider may continue on this to Bath Beach, and then, keeping to the right and running westward on Cropsey Avenue until he reaches Seventh Avenue, he may turn to the right into this, and either run down to Fort Hamilton near the Government lands, and thence straight on down to Second Avenue and into Bay Ridge, or he may keep straight on Seventh Avenue, passing Fort Hamilton and running up to Sixtieth Street, and so back, turning to the right into Old Bath Road, and home through Parkville on the Old Bath Road, Ocean Parkway, and Prospect Park. Still another trip is to run southward and eastward after reaching Bath Beach on the Old Bath Road, to Bensonhurst and Unionville. In fact, the reader has but to refer to the map of Brooklyn to pick out his own route on any of the black marked roads, which are in this district macadamized.

NOTE.--Map of New York city asphalted streets in No. 809. Map of route from New York to Tarrytown in No. 810. New York to Stamford, Connecticut, in No. 811. New York to Staten Island in No. 812. New Jersey, from Hoboken to Pine Brook in No. 813.

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Postage Stamps, &c.

=HAWAII= 1c., 2c., 4c., 5c., 8c., 10c., 15c., 25c., 35c., all unused; 100 fine varieties stamps, 12c.; 1000 mixed U.S., 25c.; 5 var. obsolete Postage Due, 10c.; $20 Confederate Bill, 10c.; 5 foreign coins, 15c.; 5 different U.S. Coppers, 15c.

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=STAMPS!= =300= fine mixed Victoria, Cape of G. H., India, Japan, etc., with fine Stamp Album, only =10c=. New 80-p. Price-list =free=. _Agents wanted_ at =50%= commission. STANDARD STAMP CO., 4 Nicholson Place, St. Louis, Mo. Old U.S. and Confederate Stamps bought.

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=BOYS & GIRLS= ARE MADE HAPPY by sending their name and address on a postal card to BOORMAN & PARKER, 173, 5th AVE., Chicago.

Round Table Chapters.

No. 712--The Busy Bee Chapter, of Readington, N.J. Edwin Russell Opie, Readington.

No. 713.--The Harry Harper Chapter, of Newtown, Conn. Officers are Agnes E. Platt, Samuel B. Brown, Carrie Jonas, Frank Andrews, John O. Pitzschler; Mabel E. Morris, Newtown.

No. 714.--The Active Athletic Club, of Utica, N.Y. Albert H. Gabel, 764 Bleecker Street.

No. 715.--The Allen Chapter, of Allentown, Pa. Claude T. Reno, Allentown.

No. 716.--The George Washington Chapter, of Troy, N.Y. George P. Paul, 824 River Street.

No. 717.--The Knights Outing Chapter, of Davenport, Iowa. Ned C. Crossett, 309 Mississippi Avenue.

No. 718.--The General O. O. Howard Chapter, of Philadelphia, Pa. Members are Marcella, Hanley, and Norman Dale, Bella Moorehead, Mary Moore, George Oliphant, Frank Garrison, Amy Hamilton, John Steltz. Chapter address, Charles C. Oliphant, Girard College, Philadelphia.

No. 719.--The Eagle Social Club, of New York city. Max Epstein, Paul Gumsberg; Abe Sandler, 12 Pitt Street.

Stamps and the School Fund.

Several members have kindly offered to sell some stamps in aid of the School Fund, and the Table thanks them. The Dorchester Exchange, W. J. Paul Sweeney, corner High and Highland streets, Dorchester, Mass., has good facilities, and so we suggest that others co-operate with it. Its offers are two: 1, It will give to the Fund the ten per cent. commission on all stamps sold to members during July and up to August 15th, and 2, It will give to the Fund the entire proceeds of the sale of all stamps contributed by members to be sold for said purpose.

The Exchange rules are easily complied with, and may be had on application, enclosing self-addressed and two-cent stamped envelope. Members who may want to purchase stamps to aid the Fund, and members who may be willing to contribute a few stamps to be sold for the Fund, are asked to send addressee and stamps to us as early as possible. Contributed stamps should be neatly mounted, and the price plainly marked in ink under each. Send not later than June 25th to HARPER'S ROUND TABLE, New York, and put in the lower left-hand corner of the envelope the words, "For Stamp Department." The Table warmly thanks Sir Knights Lantle V. Blum and Claude T. Reno for their offers in this direction, and begs them to help under this arrangement. Let's have a big list of names of possible buyers and as many contributions as possible. All who help in this way shall have their names on the Fund Honor Roll, to be published and preserved in the Good Will Building.

"The Wheelman's Mecca."

Springfield is a flourishing city of 50,000 inhabitants, and is situated on the left bank of the Connecticut River a few miles above the Connecticut State line. It was first settled by a brave trader, William Pynchon, and became a city in 1852. The largest United States arsenal is situated here and gives employment to many men.

The river is spanned by four bridges, and at one point is 1136 feet wide. The last battle of Shays's Rebellion was fought here, and the spot is marked by a monument. Springfield takes great pride in her schools, which are among the finest in Massachusetts. In a few months electric cars will be running to the "Paper City"--Holyoke, which is nearly as large a city as Springfield. Forest Park is the summer breathing-place of the city. It contains picnic grounds, fine drives, duck, lotus, and lily ponds, drinking-fountains, a "zoo" of small size, and many pavilions.

Paper, bicycles, railroad passenger cars, buttons, skates, and pistols are largely manufactured here. The Public Library contains about 90,000 volumes. Hampden Park has the best bicycle track in the United States, and Springfield is called the "Wheelman's Mecca." The famous "Yale-Harvard" football games are also played on Hampden Park.

ALBERT W. ATWATER.

A Glimpse of "The Glorious."

Most people who live in the Eastern States consider California a great distance off, and so it is; yet it takes only five days to cross the continent, by rail, and bring one from January snows to sunshine and flowers. Petaluma is a thriving town of three thousand, situated in Sonoma County, and connected with San Francisco by tide-water. The chief occupations of the people in the surrounding country are dairying, fruit-raising, and wine-making. The varieties of the Sonoma fruits most raised are cherries, apricots, peaches, pears, plums, apples, figs, olives, and grapes. There are many large dairies and creameries owned by the Swiss people, who find the surrounding country a good substitute for their native land. Before California came into the possession of the United States the swarthy Mexican and his fiery mustang roamed through the tall grass, tending enormous herds of cattle, sometimes slaughtering several hundred for their hides, and leaving the carcasses to the buzzards.

SAMUEL T. BUSH, R. T. K. EAST OAKLAND.

A Collection of Newspapers.

We advised a member to write to the American Minister at Athens for a copy of a newspaper printed in modern Greek. Elsa Roeder kindly amends by suggesting the _Atlantis_, printed in New York. It is wholly in Greek, and no address other than New York city is necessary. Thanks, dear Lady Elsa. This collecting of present-day newspapers as a means of broadening and increasing one's knowledge of the world is most useful and interesting. It is also inexpensive, and as an educator equals or exceeds the collecting of stamps. Did you ever see a present-day newspaper that is published in Brussels or Rome, or even Paris or London? The American Consuls can give you the names and the amounts to remit for single copies. Or, if you send stamps for postage, the Consuls would in most cases forward the newspapers, we think. You can get a list of Consuls from the State Department, Washington, or can find them in the Congressional Directory, which your Member of Congress will gladly send you upon request.

Consuls are always desirous of serving the interests of fellow-Americans in such matters. The spread of English-speaking humanity has led to the founding of English newspapers in many foreign cities. In the Orient there are newspapers printed in English, and they are full of what to us are quaint items. Such papers are to be found in Constantinople, Cairo, Calcutta, Yokohama, Honolulu, and even in Teheran and Jerusalem. The Indian _Mail_ and Japan _Mail_ are interesting newspapers, and you would read the South Australian _Chronicle_, published in Adelaide, and the Tasmanian _Mail_, published in Hobart, with a great deal of curiosity. Then your collection ought to include such famous journals as the _Gazette_, of Cologne, Germany, printed in German, of course; the _Gazette_, of St. Petersburg, and the _Novoe Vremya_, of Moscow, printed in modern Russian; the _Petit Journal_, of Paris, and _Independence Belge_, of Brussels, in French; the _Nacionale_, of Madrid, and the _Journal_, of Rio de Janeiro, in Spanish; and papers from Constantinople, in Turkish, and from Tokyo, in Japanese. You should also include the _Scotsman_, of Edinburgh, Scotland, in your collection, and you might learn much that you do not know from a careful reading of newspapers published in North and South American cities. Did you ever see a Caracas newspaper? The study is a fascinating one, and as surely broadens and liberalizes as does knowledge on other studies, collegiate not excepted.

Out-door Entertainments.

Once every year there is held at Good Will Farm a Summer Celebration, which a great many of the Farm's friends attend. There are picnics, feasting, and, of course, some speeches. This summer Mr. Kirk Munroe is, we believe, to be a guest at the Farm, and will, of course, make a speech.

These Farm outings are held in July. Now, why may not the Table, during that month, or during the August vacation, hold as many outings as possible, the proceeds to go, little, whole, or in part, to the Round Table Industrial School Fund? The trouble is very slight, the fun great, and the satisfaction not to be measured. We urge this subject upon the attention of all Chapters, and upon all members of the Order.

Do you belong to a Sunday-school class? Ask it about undertaking it. If you are just the least bit interested, write us for particulars, with full and easily planned programme. We will give them promptly. You can carry out the details. All that is needed is a small company of half a dozen persons, old or young.

This school is for some boys who need a school-house--and have none. The Table is earning the Fund. Won't you help?

A Close View of the Shah.

I was in Paris during the great exhibition of 1889. While I was there the Shah of Persia came to France to see the World's Fair. I was at an outdoor show one day, which the Shah attended, and I happened to be very close to his box and had a good view of him and all his suite. He was a very dark man of Jewish type. He was attired in a long black cloak of soft cashmere which came to his knees. It was devoid of any ornament except heavy black silk frogs which fastened it. He wore a tall brimless Astrakhan hat, with a single precious stone on the front. It looked like a moonstone and was quite large. He wore a beautiful, curved sword, the only elaborate ornament that he had on. It was a magnificent weapon, containing many gems set in the hilt and scabbard. He also had on black boots of soft leather reaching to the knee. His staff had a great many more ornaments than he had, but were all attired in the same black coats and fur caps.

JACK RANDALL CRAWFORD.

The Gum on Stamps.

The gum on the back of the postage-stamps of the United States is made from alcohol one part, acetic acid one part, dextrine two parts, and water five parts.

A. S. H. PEABODY, MASS.

Answers to Kinks.

No. 83.

G or E E ve N R in G M il L A re A N oo N Y ar D

No. 84.

B A R E B R E A K E A T K

* * * * *

No. 85--A kiss.

No. 86.--Holmes.

AN UNPLEASANT MISTAKE.

It is well always for boys to learn how to spell, as the experience of a little lad in England recently proved. He tried to write a verse to his teacher, and in using the word "bonny" to describe her face he wrote, "and oh your _bony_ face."

The teacher did not like having her face referred to as bony, and the poor little fellow was kept in for an hour after the rest of the boys had gone home.

ADVERTISEMENTS.

WALTER BAKER & CO.

The Largest Manufacturers of

PURE, HIGH GRADE

Cocoas and Chocolates

On this Continent, have received

HIGHEST AWARDS

from the great

Industrial and Food

EXPOSITIONS

IN EUROPE AND AMERICA.

* * * * *

=Caution:= In view of the many imitations of the labels and wrappers on our goods, consumers should make sure that our place of manufacture, namely, =Dorchester, Mass.=, is printed on each package.

* * * * *

SOLD BY GROCERS EVERYWHERE.

* * * * *

WALTER BAKER & CO., DORCHESTER, MASS.

At all grocery stores east of the Rocky Mountains two sizes of Ivory Soap are sold; one that costs five cents a cake, and a larger size. The larger cake is the more convenient and economical for laundry and general household use. If your Grocer is out of it, insist on his getting it for you.

THE PROCTER & GAMBLE CO., CIN'TI.

contains enough sarsaparilla alone to give it the highest place as a promoter of good health. To this, add the most delicious herbs, roots, barks and berries and you have the reason why millions of people drink and grow healthful on Hires' Rootbeer

A 25c. package makes 5 gallons

CHAS.E. HIRES CO., PHILA.

=OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT= of the award on

=GILLOTT'S PENS= at the CHICAGO EXPOSITION.

=AWARD=: "For excellence of steel used in their manufacture, it being fine grained and elastic; superior workmanship, especially shown by the careful grinding which leaves the pens free from defects. The tempering is excellent and the action of the finished pens perfect."

(Signed) FRANZ VOGT, _Individual Judge_.

Approved: { H. I. KIMBALL, _Pres't Departmental Committee_. { JOHN BOYD THACHER, _Chairman Exec. Com. on Awards_.

CARD PRINTER =FREE=

Sets any name in one minute; prints 500 cards an hour. YOU can make money with it. A feat of pretty type, also Indelible Ink, Type Holder, Pads and Tweezers. Best Linen Marker; worth $1.00. Sample mailed FREE for 10c. stamps for postage on outfit and large catalogue of 1000 Bargains.

R. H. Ingersoll & Bro. 65 Cortlandt St. N.Y. City

=BIRDS' EGGS= and Naturalists' Supplies, Egg Drill, Blowpipe, and Hook, nickel-plated, in pocket case, only =35 cts.=

Illustrated catalogue for 2-cent stamp.

CHAS. K. REED, 262 Main Street, Worcester, Mass.

WANTED. 100,000 BOYS,

to sell the =EUREKA MARKING TAG= for marking hats, etc., now and in Summer vacation. Sells at sight. Send 10 cents in coin for samples. Address =Eureka Marking Tag Co.=, Cedar Falls, Iowa.

=SEND for Catalogue of= the =Musical Instrument= you think of buying. =Violins repaired= by the Cremona System. C. STORY, 26 Central St., Boston, Mass.

=PLAYS=, Dialogues, Speakers, for School, Club and Parlor. Catalogue free.

=T. S. DENISON=, Pub. Chicago. Ill.

TWO NEW BOOKS

FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

A Tale of the Sea

=AFLOAT WITH THE FLAG.= By W. J. HENDERSON. Illustrated. Post 8vo, Cloth, Ornamental, $1.25.

Mr. Henderson has combined his knowledge of the sea with his experience of several years as an officer in the Naval Reserve, and thus has made a story of the New Navy. The story follows the experiences of four American boys during the Brazilian revolution, two of them being on the American cruiser _Detroit_, a third having enlisted in the Brazilian navy on the battle-ship _Aquidaban_, and the fourth being a soldier on the side of the Brazilian government.

_BY THE SAME AUTHOR:_

=SEA YARNS FOR BOYS.= Spun by an Old Salt. Illustrated. Post 8vo, Cloth, Ornamental, $1.25.

Poems by

Mrs. Sangster

=LITTLE KNIGHTS AND LADIES.= Verses for Young People. By MARGARET E. SANGSTER. Illustrated. 16mo. Cloth, Ornamental, Uncut Edges and Gilt Top, $1.25.

Mrs. Sangster has a charming way, quite her own, of writing verse to please the young, and many of the lines in this volume will be committed to memory and carried into the riper years of the "Little Knights and Ladies."

_BY THE SAME AUTHOR:_

=ON THE ROAD HOME.= Poems. Illustrated. 16mo, Cloth, $1.25.

* * * * *

Published by HARPER & BROTHERS, New York

_The above works are for sale by all booksellers, or will be mailed by the publishers, postage prepaid, on receipt of the price._

BY THE SEA.

"Those rays, Tommy," said Mrs. Judkins to her little boy, "means that the sun is drawing the water up to the sky for rain."

"And then," replied Tommy, "are we soon going to have a salt-water shower."

AN EXPLANATION

I know why the elephant by a thick skin And a tough one is ever begirt: It is so when he's struck by the trainer's crowbar, He can laugh in his trunk all unhurt.

THE WHALE'S SPOUT.

"Mr. Tompkins," said Willie Smith to his teacher the other day, "when the whale spouts does he do it to bale himself out?"

I'm very fond of buckwheat cakes, I'm very fond of pumpkin-pie, I love the cookies mommy makes, I love upon the grass to lie.

I dote upon a lot of things, Like toys and apples, curtain-rings, But like must boys I think that noise Is just the best thing known to man, And that is why an old tin pan, And battered spoon, This afternoon, Have kept me busy as a bee; Bang! bang! Boom! boom! Hurrah for me, I don't need toys When I have noise.

A STAMP-ALBUM GEOGRAPHER.

Nobody can deny that postage-stamp collecting is a great help in teaching boys geography. Jack showed this at school when his teacher asked him where Nicaragua was, and what it produced chiefly.

"It's on page ninety-eight," said Jack, "and it produces more sets o' stamps than any other country of its size in the world."

A PUZZLER.

"What I can't understand about the sun's light," said Wallie, when he first heard how many millions of miles away from the earth the sun is, "is how it manages to get here so early in the morning without travelling all night."

A GREAT FEAT.

"Mamma," sobbed Bessie, "make Willie stop smellin' my roses. He's took all the perfloomery out of one of 'em already."

A REPLY.

Jimmieboy's small brothers had both got out of bed on the wrong side, as the saying goes, and their differences had been frequent.

"What are those babies fighting about?" finally asked Jimmieboy's mamma.

"About all the time," said Jimmieboy.

A BETTER ONE.

"MY daddy's got a little watch on his bicycle that shows how far he goes. Every time he goes a mile this thing marks a mile," said Tommie.

"My pa has a better one than that," retorted Bobbie. "Every time he goes a mile his registers two miles."

A BAD RULE.

"What has become of your club, Harry?"

"Oh, it's broken up," said Harry. "We made a rule that no boy could be President twice, and after we'd been President once we couldn't go on with it."

End of Project Gutenberg's Harper's Round Table, June 4, 1895, by Various