CHAPTER II.

The morning passed as usual, with the exception that just before recess Mr. Gorham stated that he had a few words to say to the school, and begged the closest attention. It was needless to ask that, for every eye was already fixed upon the speaker, and every face betokened the liveliest interest in what he was about to say.

In a few words Mr. Gorham unfolded the May-party project, said the honor of Queen would be given to the one who stood first in her classes, and as having looked over the records he found two of the pupils, Miss Florence Tracy and Miss Susie Kingman, ranked equally high, a vote would be taken before close of school to decide the matter. He then referred the girls to Miss Page to find out about their costumes, and finished by setting the twentieth of June, the last day of school, for the _fête_, then struck the bell.

The buzzing of voices that followed! Among the many exclamations one might have heard,

"It's really a _June_ party!"

"All the better, for we never could wear thin dresses out-of-doors in May!"

"The best kind of a way to end up school!"

"Why, girls, it will be just a month from to-day. Let's find Miss Page and learn all the particulars."

At this proposal quite a number went into the recitation-room, but Susie, with her eyes on Florence's sad face, seemed chained to her seat.

"I _must_ decide now," she was thinking. "No; _I can not give it up_. I gave up to Dick this morning, and that's enough for one day. Then, too, it's Friday, visitors' day, and I should just like to show them how well I stand. And when papa hears of my success he'll be delighted; he always is when he thinks I'm getting on well in my lessons. Oh no; I _can not, can not_ give it up! Of course I shall vote for Florence, and that's all I can be expected to do. I haven't asked the girls to vote for me, and I'm not supposed to know anything about it."

"But you _do_ know about it," said the still, small voice. "You know, moreover, that you can make Florence very happy, and that it will not affect your standing in the least."

"Oh dear!" sighed Susie. "I suppose I'll have to give it up, but I can wait until after the votes are counted, and then say I prefer Florence to have the place."

"Ah!" interposed Conscience, "your idea is 'to be seen of men.' There is no charity in that, and, besides, how would Florence feel to be so patronized? If you give it up at all, do it entirely and cheerfully."

"Oh, I can not, I really can not. It will be lovely to have all the girls for my subjects, to be waited on by them, and pass under their garlands. Why does every word I read this morning in the commentary keep coming into my mind, about one's being willing to have another honored if one can be more honored one's self? How exactly that applies to my giving up to Florence _after_ being elected myself; and then that 'In honor preferring one another' has been running in my head all the morning. I'll just stop thinking about it, and go in Miss Page's room with the rest, and talk over the dresses. That reminds me. That lovely one I had made in the fall for Cousin Clara's wedding--I believe it will be the very thing." And she hastily went down the passage between two rows of desks.

Florence caught her hand as she went by, and said, "I know the question is as good as decided, Susie, and I shall hail you as our Queen as gladly as any other of your friends."

Susie tried to thank her, but the words would not come; and instead of going into Miss Page's room, she took an opposite direction to a vacant one, used for certain meetings, and there she sat down, saying: "Only ten minutes left me."

"Yes," suggested Conscience, "ten minutes to decide you will show yourself unselfish, will make a fellow-creature very happy, and that you try to live up to the teachings of the Bible."

There were tears in Susie's eyes; in fact, one or two had rolled down her cheeks, when she slowly said, "I've decided," and on looking toward the door saw Sadie.

"You're the one I want," said Susie, trying to speak in her usual tones. "I was just going for you."

Sadie noticed her tear-streaked cheeks and effort to speak cheerfully, so hastened to say, comfortingly,

"Don't worry an instant; it's just as I said; every girl in the school will vote for you."

"That's just what they mustn't do," said Susie, earnestly. "Oh, Sadie! _do_ promise you'll make me very happy by _not_ voting for me."

"Not voting for you!" cried the astonished girl. "What do you mean?"

"Hush, Sadie! somebody will hear you. I mean _this_: that you must get all the votes you can for Florence. It will make me a thousand times happier than to be Queen myself; and just think of Florence! You said yourself she never looks happy, and now we'll all unite to make her so."

"Oh, Susie," said Sadie, after a moment's pause, "how good you are to propose such a thing, and how Florence will love you for it!"

"No, no," protested Susie. "Sadie, of all things, Florence must never know, never even _suspect_; that would spoil it all."

"I'm so bewildered!" said Sadie. "What _can_ we do in the few minutes left? As you say, how delighted Florence will be! but _I_ never could have given it up, Susie--_never_!"

"Oh, yes you could, if you knew how great the joy was that followed," said Susie, simply. "I wonder now that I hesitated a moment."

They both went among the different groups of girls, and there was more whispering than ever, and numberless expressions of wonder, always silenced by, "Hush! Florence will hear, and she must never know." The ringing of the bell put an end to all stifled exclamations, and the scholars were soon in their seats.

Sadie asked permission to speak. Mr. Gorham smiled, knowing she had been talking every moment for the past half-hour, nevertheless he granted it.

She leaned over and whispered to Susie, "Ten or twelve girls went out to walk at recess, and haven't heard the new plan."

"Never mind," returned Susie. "It will seem all the more natural to have a divided vote."

The usual Friday visitors now began to come in to listen to the readings and recitations that always took place on the last school afternoon of the week, and among them was one who had never before presented himself--Squire Tracy.

"All the better," whispered Sadie, forgetting in her excitement that her permission to speak had long since expired. And Susie signaled a "yes" in reply.

After the weekly exercises were over, Mr. Gorham explained to the new-comers about the May-party, gave the names of the two scholars for whom votes were to be cast, and then handed each of the forty girls a slip of paper on which to write the name of her choice for Queen.

The Squire grew interested. He wiped his glasses, and looked about for Florence. She could not raise her eyes for thinking, "Oh, uncle has no idea what a popular girl Susie Kingman is! What _will_ he think when I don't get any votes?"

The Squire caught her eye at last, and nodded encouragingly. "He never looked so kindly at me before," moaned the unhappy girl. "He really thinks I've as good a chance as Susie," and her eyes filled with tears as she traced Susie's name on her paper.

[TO BE CONTINUED.]

A CHINESE ADVENTURE.

BY PALMER COX.

Three heathen men set out one day To cross the China sea-- Ah Hong Wun Ho, Gui Tong Pi Lo, And daring Hup Si Lee.

But there was not, of all the lot, A single one who knew The proper way in which to sail Upon the ocean blue.

The first was captain of the ship, He kept an eye ahead; The second played the part of mate, He steered and heaved the lead;

The third was boatswain, cook, and crew, Which kept him on the go; He had to spread the sail aloft, And make the tea below.

The winds began, the billows ran, The ship went up and down; At times she pointed out to sea, As often back to town.

The seasick captain left the bow, Between the decks to lie; The boatswain, busy making tea, Let all the canvas fly.

And, oh! the mate, the silly mate, The worst of all was he; To find how deep the water lay, He leaped into the sea.

Then mate and crew, and captain too, Began to yell and roar; So people threw them out a line, And hauled the ship ashore.

We have received the following letter from the little colored girl whose appeal for school-books was printed in YOUNG PEOPLE No. 76. It is gratifying to see that our young friends have responded so heartily to her petition for help. And they will all be happy when they read her grateful words of thanks.

LINCOLNTON, NORTH CAROLINA.

MY KIND FRIENDS,--Your books, papers, and cards are very nice. I did not expect to get so many. You are all so kind, I do not know how to thank you for them.

My writing is so bad, but I hope it will get to the YOUNG PEOPLE.

I get letters and books every day from the Post-office, and some books by express. One little girl sent me a dollar. I will divide with my brothers and sisters, and I will give some of the books to the colored children who come to the Sunday-school. The ladies told me to do this, and I think I ought to, because they have none. Yours, with many thanks,

HANNAH MCDANIEL.

Accompanying Hannah's letter was also one from one of the ladies who have taught her to read and write. It will be of interest to those who have bestowed kindness on this poor little girl.

Through the kindness of YOUNG PEOPLE in publishing little Hannah's letter, she has received many favors, for which her mother's family feel deeply grateful. It is charity well bestowed. May God bless the donors!

Hannah's father died last October. Her mother is a good, worthy woman, brought up in my mother's household with the care of one of her own children. Both were our trusty faithful servants and friends for more than thirty years.

We try to do what we can in the way of teaching the colored children around us, thus following the example of our father, who died before the war, while a missionary to the colored people in South Carolina, but our greatest obstacle has been a lack of books, which we were not able to provide.

I write this letter at the request of Hannah's mother.

MISS M. R. MCDANIEL.

* * * * *

PHOENIX, ARIZONA.

I get YOUNG PEOPLE every week, but it has to come a long way to find me. Arizona is so far off from the great cities that one might think we would be deprived of good schools, Sunday-schools, and other things we left at home, but we have them all, of the very best, too. Our school has over two hundred scholars, and our Sunday-school over one hundred, and we have a fine library and an organ.

We have lived in Arizona nearly ten years, and are delighted with it. We came four thousand miles to reach here, and on the way crossed the Rocky Mountains, and ever so many great rivers and hot deserts.

We live in the beautiful valley of Salt River, which is a branch of the Gila. The population here is made up largely of Indians and Mexicans, with a great many Chinese and some negroes. We find this a good place to study Spanish, as there are so many people here who speak that language.

I wish I could tell my little fellow-readers of the many strange reptiles and other things here, and I wish they could see the valley scenery. It is so beautiful, covered with the green grain, which is now nearly ready for harvest. I know they would like to see the little donkeys the Mexicans use to pack wood on. They call the donkeys _burros_. And there are so many funny little Indian babies here that they call pappooses. My letter is long enough. _Adios._

LINDLEY B. O.

* * * * *

NORWAY, MAINE.

I am going to school, and I have to board away from home. I have taken YOUNG PEOPLE ever since it was published, and I was keeping my papers as nice as I possibly could, to have them bound, when our house burned down, and all of our furniture and everything in the house was lost. I lost all my books and playthings and all my nice little papers. I had ever so many playthings, and I had one wax doll and two nice china dolls. I was making a collection of postage stamps, and I had nearly two hundred. I felt very badly to lose all my things, yet I was so thankful that my papa and mamma escaped from the house alive! It was a very dark night, and they did not wake up until the fire was almost to their room. I was away from home at school. I send my love to all the little girls that take YOUNG PEOPLE. I am ten years old.

MAUD A. R.

* * * * *

BROOKLYN, NEW YORK.

Last Saturday I sent seventeen letters full of stamps. I am beginning to feel a little better now, as I only get three or four letters a week.

The pea-nut owl in YOUNG PEOPLE No. 73 made me laugh so that mamma let me buy a quart of pea-nuts, and showed me how to make one. I have a nice branch with lots of little branches, and I make owls of all sizes, and fasten them on. They look so comical, they make everybody laugh who sees them. Instead of tissue-paper for wings, I take light wrapping paper just the color of the pea-nut, and ink it a little, and it looks splendid.

PERCY L. MCD.

* * * * *

AGAWAM, MASSACHUSETTS.

I would like to tell the boy in Ohio that my brother Lewis had some chickens hatched on the 20th of March, but I guess the little things thought it was pretty cold weather.

My grandma says that a ten-quart pail full of sap from large old maple-trees will make a pound of sugar.

JENNIE P.

* * * * *

NAUVOO, ILLINOIS.

I live near the Mississippi River. There are mounds near here. My uncle dug into one of them, and between two layers of flat stones he found some Indian bones.

ANNABEL E. S.

* * * * *

PORTLAND, CONNECTICUT.

Mamma reads to me the stories about kitties and dogs that belong to other little girls who write to YOUNG PEOPLE, and some of them are as well educated as my Fritzie. When I speak to Fritzie, he understands all I say to him; I am sure of it. When I feed him, he waits patiently until I hand him the food. I have the meat cut up very fine, and then I sit down in my little rocking-chair with the plate in my lap, and pass the food to Fritzie with a silver fork. Everybody is pleased to see him eat. He never snaps at the meat, but takes it very gently from the fork, and eats it like a gentleman. He will sit up in a chair and have a napkin pinned round his neck before he eats; that is to keep his vest clean. I saw a picture in a book of an ill-mannered dog that had eaten up a little child's dinner. I feel sorry there are such wicked dogs in the world. Fritzie would scorn such an action. He would protect the little girl, like the "Faithful Sentinel" in YOUNG PEOPLE No. 71. Fritzie looks just like that picture. He is as brave as a lion. He catches rats, and every night he goes with the night-watchman to the factory to help him. So he works very hard too. He is getting old, but if he lives until summer, mamma says she will have his photograph taken.

NEVA E. A.

* * * * *

DES MOINES, IOWA.

Will some correspondent please tell me what a Florida sea-bean is?

L. M. G.

If some of our Southern readers will write a description of the Florida sea-bean, its size, color, and how and where it grows, we will gladly print it.

* * * * *

The following letter is from a very little boy who is just learning to write English:

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA.

I receive HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE every week. I am so contented with it that you can not imagine about it. I love those little engines to make, and those tricks, and I hope that they will be more.

VIRGIL GIACOBBI.

* * * * *

I will give seventy-five rare stamps for the 30-cent and 90-cent United States stamps of the issue of 1869. The 30-cent is red and blue, with the device of an eagle mounted on a shield surrounded by flags at base, and the 90-cent is carmine and black, and has Lincoln's head. I will give forty-five stamps for the 90-cent, and thirty for the 30-cent. These two stamps will complete my whole set of United States stamps. I have two hundred and thirty--no local or revenue stamps counted.

E. GUDEMAN, 112 River Street, Hoboken, N. J.

* * * * *

I will exchange a miniature yacht for a printing-press, type, and general printing outfit. The yacht is twenty inches long, five and three-quarter inches wide, four inches depth of hold, mast sixteen and one-quarter inches in height from deck. It is sloop-rigged, and finished up in a very handsome manner with paint, varnish, etc. It is a first-class sailer, and as good as new. It was built in a most substantial manner by an Eastern boat-builder. The boat will be securely boxed and sent by express.

Please write describing press and outfit before sending any package.

W. J. DOUGHTY, 684 Communipaw Avenue, Jersey City, N. J.

* * * * *

I have twenty varieties of the cactus family, to which I wish to add as many more as possible. I will gladly exchange cuttings with any one.

GUSSIE E. PEEBLES, Cobden, Ill.

* * * * *

I would like to tell the readers of YOUNG PEOPLE a nice way to preserve the color of autumn or forest leaves. First sprinkle the leaf with a little resin, and rub a warm iron lightly over it. Then dissolve some red aniline in water, and brush over the surface of the leaf with a feather. Hold the leaf near the fire a few moments, and it will assume the most brilliant colors--green, bronze, etc.

I have several old newspapers printed in 1804 and 1805. One is dated July 13, 1804, and contains the first news that reached Philadelphia of the duel between General Hamilton and Aaron Burr. I will exchange one of these for ten stamps from Mexico or Central or South America.

I will also exchange three stamps--the United States blue three-cent, issue of 1869; the red three-cent, issue of 1861; and one from either New Zealand or the East Indies, for one three-cornered Cape of Good Hope stamp; or one from New Brunswick or Newfoundland, issue of 1857 or 1860.

MAURICE A. MCMILLAN, Washington C. H., Fayette Co., Ohio.

* * * * *

R. Carpenter, Chicago, Illinois, desires to notify correspondents that he received so many applications for his stamps and postmarks that his small stock was exhausted in less than a week after his offer of exchange was printed. He will answer every letter as soon as possible, and either return the stamps he has received, or give an equivalent.

* * * * *

The address of Irvin P. Knipe and brother, whose offer of exchange appeared in the Post-office Box of YOUNG PEOPLE No. 78, should read Norristown instead of Morristown.

* * * * *

Harry Robinson, Wilkesbarre, Pennsylvania, wishes the address of the correspondent who sent him a specimen of lead ore in a Tiffany & Co. box.

* * * * *

Arthur Davenport, Chicago, Illinois, notifies correspondents that he has no more crystallized quartz to exchange.

* * * * *

Annie Wheeler, Danville, Virginia, requests the address of the young lady who sent her a lot of West India flower seeds.

* * * * *

Eddie Gordon, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, desires to notify correspondents that his stock of Indian arrow-heads and pottery is exhausted.

* * * * *

The following exchanges are offered by correspondents:

Indian arrow-heads, for foreign coins. A petrifaction of a fish's head, for old United States coins.

MARTIN J. BRITTING, West Covington, Ky.

* * * * *

Ten postmarks, for two South American stamps.

S. M. BUSSELL, 106 East Thirty-first Street, New York City.

* * * * *

Carnelians, or specimens of oak, birch, poplar, cherry, and sumac, for specimens of foreign woods.

RAY S. BAKER, Saint Croix Falls, Polk Co., Wis.

* * * * *

A few Indian relics, an ounce of soil from Indiana, and some other curiosities, for coins from any foreign country except England.

F. T. COLE, Economy, Wayne Co., Ind.

* * * * *

Pieces of lava, a fossilized fern, lead ore, and other minerals, for gold or copper ore, or Indian arrow-heads. Please write before sending specimens.

HARRY C., Bergen Point, Hudson Co., N. J.

* * * * *

One-cent and three-cent Canadian stamps, for Canadian stamps of a higher denomination. Two three-cent for one six-cent.

ROBERT L. CARROLL, 84 Carver Street, Boston, Mass.

* * * * *

Rocks and earth from Indiana, with five kinds of foreign stamps, for rocks and earth from any other State; or stamps from Brazil, Sandwich Islands, British Guinea, Hong-Kong, Japan, Finland, and other countries, for stamps of equal value.

DAN L. DORSEY, 25 West Georgia Street, Indianapolis, Ind.

* * * * *

Twenty foreign postage stamps for Indian relics.

A. J. DENT, care of J. E. Dent, P. O. Box 200, Columbia, S. C.

* * * * *

Curiosities of all kinds.

R. P. C. and R. H. D., P. O. Box 144, Riverside, San Bernardino Co., Cal.

* * * * *

A new, good-toned violin, bow, and instruction-book, for a good self-inking printing-press and outfit. A collection of stamps from Barbadoes, Brazil, Cuba, and other countries, for the set of Nicaragua stamps, a Malta stamp, and two Bermuda, the lilac sixpence, and the green one shilling.

EDWIN GARCIA, JUN., 342 West Ninety-sixth Street, New York City.

* * * * *

Crystallized quartz, flint, and iron pyrites, for foreign coins of every country except Canada, minerals, or anything good for a collection.

AARON GOLDMAN, 2933 Prairie Avenue, Chicago, Ill.

* * * * *

Ten foreign stamps, gold ore, nickel salts, and a Florida sea-bean, for an Indian stone tomahawk.

FRANK HARRIS, 114 St. James Place, Brooklyn. N. Y.

* * * * *

Nineteen foreign stamps and two due stamps, for an Indian bow and arrow.

FRANK GOODALE, 633 Greene Avenue, Brooklyn, N. Y.

* * * * *

Thirty-six postmarks, nine stamps (no duplicates), a star-fish, a Florida bean, and a small piece of flint, for Indian relics or specimens from the Mammoth Cave. Correspondents will please send postal before sending specimens, and if not answered, they will know the stock is exhausted.

NELSON GARDNER, 213 Halsey Street, Brooklyn, N. Y.

* * * * *

United States War Department stamps, and sea-beans, for curiosities of all kinds, or anything suitable for a museum.

CAMPBELL T. HAMILTON, McPherson Barracks, Atlanta, Ga.

* * * * *

Stamps from the Eastern hemisphere, for stamps from the Western hemisphere.

FLETA M. HOLMAN, Corner Wells and Twenty-seventh Streets, Milwaukee, Wis.

* * * * *

A stone from Arkansas, for one from any other State except Missouri.

L. W. HASKELL, Pastoria, Jefferson Co., Ark.

* * * * *

Newspaper stamps, and Canadian and some other foreign stamps, for rare foreign, old United Slates, and department stamps. Please send lists. Also postmarks from all parts of the Northwest, for stamps. Ten postmarks, for any desirable stamp.

C. L. H. and T. C. H., 72 Grant Place, Chicago, Ill.

* * * * *

Foreign and United States postage stamps, some rare, for Indian arrow-heads or other rare stamps.

F. HOWLAND, 52 West Nineteenth Street, New York City.

* * * * *

Stamps.

HENRY H. JOHNSON, 131 East Seventieth Street, New York City.

* * * * *

Ten foreign stamps, for twenty-five postmarks.

LAWRENCE B. JONES, P. O. Box 1036, Wilkesbarre, Penn.

* * * * *

Hamburg local stamps and postmarks, for stamps, postmarks, Indian relics, and entomological specimens.

E. G. JOHNS, Flemington, Hunterdon Co., N. J.

* * * * *

Postmarks, for postmarks; or postmarks for stamps.

MABEL LANCASTER, care of C. B. Lancaster, P. O. Box 339, Newton, Mass.

* * * * *

Rare Indian pottery, for Chinese or Japanese stamps, or for silver or gold ore.

CHARLES W. LANSING, Plattsburg, Clinton Co., N. Y.

* * * * *

Fossils and minerals, for sea-weeds and shells.

DOCIA LOWRY, Elizabethtown, Hardin Co., Ill.

* * * * *

Twenty postmarks (no duplicates) of Pennsylvania, for twenty of any other State except Iowa.

WILLIAM A. LEWIS, P. O. Box 108, Lewisburg, Union Co., Penn.

* * * * *

Five German and three other European stamps, for one Cashmere stamp.

FRANK L. LONG, 720 North Sixth Street, Philadelphia, Penn.

* * * * *

Shells from the Bahama Islands, for pressed flowers from California.

E. LULU LESLIE, 434 Prospect Street, Cleveland, Ohio.

* * * * *

Foreign postage and United States revenue stamps, for foreign postage stamps.

EDWARD MAYO, P. O. Box 291, Bristol, R. I.

* * * * *

Twenty postmarks, for five foreign stamps. A foot-power scroll-saw, six saw blades, impression paper, designs, and directions, sent carefully by express or freight, for eight hundred foreign and United States stamps (no duplicates), or a self-inking printing-press.

MAYNARD A. MURPHY, 179 Charlotte Avenue, Detroit, Mich.

* * * * *

Postmarks, stamps, and minerals, for minerals.

ALICE G. ROOT, Clinton, Oneida Co., N. Y.

* * * * *

Ten foreign stamps, for one foreign coin.

HOWARD C. ROUZER, Mechanicstown, Frederick Co., Md.

* * * * *

Soil or newspapers of New York, for the same from any other State.

FRED I. SMITH, 144 Sands Street, Brooklyn, N. Y.

* * * * *

A stone from Illinois, for one from any other State or Territory. A piece of lead ore for five foreign stamps. A petrified shell or a piece of mica for two foreign stamps. An Indian arrow-head, for thirteen foreign stamps.

NED ROBINSON, Fairfield, Ill.

* * * * *

Ten postmarks, for one foreign stamp.

ELLISON SNYDER, P. O. Box 564, Scranton, Penn.

* * * * *

Stamps.

M. STIEFEL, 36 East Sixtieth Street, New York City.

* * * * *

Canadian, English, United States, or West Indian postage stamps, for foreign stamps. Six stamps from any of these countries, for an Indian arrow-head, or any curiosity suitable for a museum.

ROBERT W. SHERDTON, 9 North Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

* * * * *

Postmarks, for postmarks. Soil of New York, for the same from any other State. Twenty foreign postage stamps, for sea-shells and curiosities from the Pennsylvania coast.

HENRY F. STEELE, Babylon, Long Island, N. Y.

* * * * *

Stamps, ores, coins, and minerals, for ores, minerals, curiosities, and fossils. Coal fossils especially desired.

E. K. SCHEFTEL, 18 East Fifty-seventh Street, New York City.

* * * * *

Foreign and United States stamps, United States department stamps, and hand-painted shells, for postage stamps, coins, minerals, Indian arrow-heads, and other relics, or any curiosity.

JOHN B. TYRRELL, 412 Second Street N. E., Washington, D. C.

* * * * *

Stamps and postmarks. Or an ounce of sand from Michigan, for the same from any other State.

WILLIE J. TROTT, St. Charles, Saginaw Co., Mich.

* * * * *

Twenty foreign postage stamps, for Indian relics or arrow-heads.

H. TUTTLE, 145 Ellison Street, Paterson, N. J.

* * * * *

Stamps from Sweden, Germany, Italy, France, and the United States, for Indian relics, shells, or minerals. Correspondents will please write before sending package, stating what stamps they wish, and what curiosity they have to exchange.

ALBERT WOOLLEY, care of Richard Woolley, P. O. Box 1391, Cincinnati, Ohio.

* * * * *

Postmarks, United States revenue and foreign postage stamps, for flower and garden seeds.

WILLIE M. WHITHELD, 235 West Thirty-fourth Street, New York City.

* * * * *

A stamp from France, Germany, Denmark, Austria, Bavaria, and Hungary, for five South American, African, or United States Treasury or Interior Department stamps.

WILLIE F. WILLIAMS, Plainfield, Union Co., N. J.

* * * * *

About one thousand rare postage stamps in an Oppens stamp album, to exchange entire or in sets, for rare coins.

F. A. WARE, 138 West Thirty-sixth Street, New York City.

* * * * *

Stamps from Austria, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and other foreign countries, for stamps, minerals, and curiosities.

L. E. WALKER, Lock Box 316, Lansing, Mich.

* * * * *

An ounce of soil or a stone from California, for a foreign postage stamp and five postmarks, or an Indian relic.

CLEMENT C. YOUNG, Biggs, Butte Co., Cal.

* * * * *

Foreign and United States stamps. Liberian and Asiatic stamps especially desired.

C. A. VAN RENSSELAER, Orange, N. J.

* * * * *

Soil from Pennsylvania and foreign postage stamps, for Indian curiosities.

F. A. TIFFT, 326 South Sixteenth Street, Philadelphia, Penn.

[_For other exchanges, see third page of cover._]

* * * * *

ETHEL B.--Your Wiggle is so pretty and so very neatly drawn that we regret its late arrival.

* * * * *

YOUNG GARDENER.--Asparagus is a native of Southern Europe and Africa, and was brought to America by the Europeans. It was a favorite dish with the ancient Romans, but was unknown in England until about the beginning of the seventeenth century.

* * * * *

ERNEST C.--The magot is a little tailless monkey not much larger than a cat. Great numbers of magots live in the forests of Northern Africa. This monkey is as nimble as a squirrel. It is easily tamed, and makes an affectionate and amusing pet. It is also found on the Rock of Gibraltar.

* * * * *

JOHN N. W.--We can supply no more bound copies of the first volume of YOUNG PEOPLE.

* * * * *

G. E. P.--It is against the law to send either living or stuffed birds, animals, or reptiles by mail.

* * * * *

J. B. S. AND WILLIE S. S.--We do not know of any good elementary works; but if you read carefully, you will be able to understand Hitchcock's _Geology_ and Dana's _Mineralogy_, and will find them very useful books.

* * * * *

W. H. B.--Any old stamps are good for purposes of exchange.--A United States cent of 1799 is always worth something, as it is the most rare issue; but as its value depends entirely on condition, you would better show your specimen to some collector or dealer, who will prize it for you. The paragraph to S. S. in the Post-office Box of No. 69 will show you the variation in the value of this coin.

* * * * *

ARCHERY CLUB, KANSAS.--We shall be glad to have a report of your archery meeting, a description of your bows and arrows, and a record of the best shots.

* * * * *

Correct answers to puzzles have been received from "_Ajax_," Jemima Beeston, Ray B., Josie Chesley, C. H. Cole, De Forest W. Chase, "_Dollars and Cents_," Harry E. Dixon, Horace F. Fuller, W. K. Grithens, B. Goldenberg, Nellie P. Hazard, C. W. Hanner, Eddie Hequembourg, William Hadley, Willie C. Jones, Lucy C. Kellerhouse, Bessie Linn, "_Lodestar_," Fannie and Katie Metzgar, "_Pepper_," Carrie C. Pelham, "Pickwick," Torrance Parker, _Augusta L. Parke_, "_Queen Bess_," Effie R., "Sir Tinly," Robert G. Steel, S. Ware Sheppard, G. P. Salters, Bell T. Smart, _Addie and Arthur S._, Marion I. Wright, "Will A. Mette," _Frank B. Westwood_, Frank S. Willock.

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PUZZLES FROM YOUNG CONTRIBUTORS.

No. 1.

ENIGMA--(_To Lodestar_).

In dancing, not in mirth. In saddle, not in girth. In crony, not in friend. In borrow, not in lend. In harrow, not in plough. In salute, not in bow. In cart, not in buggy. In rainy, not in muggy. In youth, not in age. In servant, not in page. In nod, not in sleep. In gaze, not in peep. In valley, not in glen. My whole is in honor of brave men.

NORTH STAR.

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No. 2.

DIAMONDS.

1. A letter. A weight. A claw. A man's name. A wanderer. To incline. A letter.

FRANK.

2. A letter. A vessel for holding water. A name. Steel instruments. Obscure vision. To mistake. A letter.

PRINCESS.

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No. 3.

TWO EASY SQUARES.

1.--1. A courier. 2. Across. 3. Dry. 4. A vegetable growth.

PRINCESS.

2.--1. To cut. 2. Part of a wagon. 3. A kind of earth. 4. Something much desired by a prisoner, but always guarded by the jailer.

DAMON AND PYTHIAS.

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No. 4.

ENIGMA.

In darkness, not in light. In duty, not in right. In answer, not in riddle. In saucepan, not in griddle. In half, not in quarter. In fluid, not in water. In lend, not in borrow. In glee, not in sorrow. I am only seen by day When the clouds are far away.

L. H. C.

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ANSWERS TO PUZZLES IN No. 79.

No. 1.

Alleghany.

No. 2.

L B E T F A V O R M A R I N E R

No. 3.

1. A new broom sweeps clean. 2. Caractacus. 3. Hemlock. 4. Copenhagen.

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NEW GAMES.

"Mon," "Blind Pilgrims," and "Cash," three new games that can be played on the same board, have been lately adapted from the Japanese by Mr. Edward Greey, and published by McLoughlin Brothers, New York. They are capital games, and will serve to while away many a pleasant hour of the summer vacation.

HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE.

SINGLE COPIES, 4 cents; ONE SUBSCRIPTION, one year, $1.50; FIVE SUBSCRIPTIONS, one year, $7.00--_payable in advance, postage free_.

The Volumes of HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE commence with the first Number in November of each year.

Subscriptions may begin with any Number. When no time is specified, it will be understood that the subscriber desires to commence with the Number issued after the receipt of the order.

Remittances should be made by POST-OFFICE MONEY-ORDER OR DRAFT, to avoid risk of loss.

HARPER & BROTHERS, Franklin Square, N. Y.

A PERSONATION.

Though buried in an obscure little grave-yard in the heart of what might be called "the metropolis of the world," nearly two hundred years ago, even now travellers take pains to find my burying-place. Like all boys, I was rather averse to work, fonder of dancing and playing, and when only seventeen enlisted in the Parliamentary army (for I lived during the great civil war in England), but never distinguished myself by my prowess, and at the siege of Leicester, in 1645, escaped death by allowing a fellow-soldier to take my post as sentinel.

After the campaign, having had enough of a soldier's life, I returned home, married in 1647, and, owing to the influence of my wife, led a more regular life. Years afterward, in one of my books, which I have always thought more of than the public, I gave an account of my career while in the army, but the work is not read now by any one. I became deeply interested in religion, and so grieved at the wretched state of the poor people around me that, although it was forbidden by law, I could not refrain from preaching in the open air to such as would come to hear me. I had done this for five years, when, Charles II. being restored to his father's throne, all such practices were more strenuously forbidden, and I was warned; but, continuing my efforts in the cause of religion, I was thrown into jail.

Here I remained for twelve years, and though my liberty was often offered me if I would swear never to preach, I invariably answered, "If you let me go to-day, I will preach again to-morrow."

At last the misery of my family, and my steadfast persistence in what I felt to be right, produced an effect, and I was allowed, under conditions, to preach to the congregation who had chosen me for their minister; and in 1672, through the influence of the Bishop of Lincoln, I was released from jail.

I continued my preaching and writing, and in 1678 the first part of my book was published, after much deliberation, for many of my friends had tried to persuade me not to print it. As it was a religious allegory, it attracted but little attention at first, but it soon grew in public favor, and during my life it went through fifteen editions. In 1682 I published my _Holy War_, and two years later the second part of my "great work," which is, however, deemed inferior to the first part.

A few years before my death I went to London to live, in Snow Hill, near Holborn. I was at the service of any one in distress who needed me; and one day, coming home from a benevolent errand, was caught in a violent rain-storm, took cold in consequence, and died after a brief illness, having lived to see my name and book become famous. The editions of my "great work" have been innumerable, and, save the Bible, no book has been translated into so many languages, nor had so many readers, nor such a hold on people. The famous critic Lord Macaulay said he made a point of reading it through every year.

A ROUND GAME OF CARDS.

BY G. B. BARTLETT.

Among the many ways of waking up a dull company, willing to be amused if any one knows how to do it, we recommend the following game, which never fails to make plenty of fun: Take a pack of cards, and pass the top one to the person next on the right, calling out, in a loud voice, "Take the ten of diamonds," if that happens to be uppermost. The one who receives the card passes it to the next, with the same words, and so on around the room. The second card follows the first instantly, and all thus are kept busy with hand and tongue without a moment's delay or rest, as the name of each card follows its predecessor at once, and the confusion that is made causes shouts of laughter as the game goes merrily on, until the company feel well acquainted, and are ready to join with spirit in some harder game. If this description fails to satisfy the reader that there is plenty of amusement in this simple round game, we advise him to try it the next time he has a dull company on his hands.

End of Project Gutenberg's Harper's Young People, May 17, 1881, by Various