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“ Oh, well, it doesn’t matter. I have it 3 somewhere. He returned me the prepaid‘ envelope and reminded me that United States stamps were of no use in Canada, which of course I should have remembered. But he didn’t pay the postage on his own letter, so that I had to fork out double. Still, I don’t mind that, only as an indica- tion of his meaness. He went on to say that of all the members of our class youâ€"- you !-â€"were the only one who had reflected credit on it. That was the insult. The idea of his making such a statement, when I told him I was on the New York Argus! Credit to the class, indeed ! I wonder if he ever heard of Brown, after he was ex- pelled. You know, of course. No? Well, Brown by his own exertions became Presi- dent of the Alum Bank in New York, wrecked it, and got off to Canada with a clear half-million. Yes, sir. I saw him in Quebec not six months ago. Keeps the finest span and carriage in the cxty, and lives in a palace. Could buy old Scragmore a thousand times and never feel it. Most liberal contributor to the cause of educa- tion that there is in Canada. He says educa- tion made him, and he’s not a. man to go IN THE MIDST 0F ALARMS lick 0n educition. And yet Scragmore has the cheek to say that you were the only man in the class who reflects credit 01} is 1” {Eh-e pioie‘séor smiled quietly, as the ex- cited journalisb took a. cooling sip of the cobbler. “ You see, Yates, people’s opinions differ. A man like Brown may not; he Principal Scagmore’s ideal. The Principai may be local in his ideals of a. successful man or of one who reflects credit on his teaching. 1 " Local? You bet he’s local. Too darned local for me. It would do that man good to live in New York for a. year. But I’m going to get even with him. I’m going to write him up. I’ll give him a. column and a half, see if I don’t. I’ll get: his photograph and publish a. newspaper portrait. of him. If that doesn’t make him quake he’s a cast-iron man. Say, you haven’t a photograph of old Scrag that you can lend me, have you 2’) vs... guru“ u- , --_ . - “ I have, but. I won’t lend it for such a. purpoae. However, never mind the Prim cipal. Tell me your plans. I am at your disposal for a. couple of weeks, or longer if necasargl.” “G003. boy! Well, 1’11 tell you how it is. I want rest and quiet and the woods for a week or two. This is how it hap- pened, I have been steadily at the grind- stone, except for a. while in the hospital, and that, you will admit, is not much of a. vacation. The work interests me, and I am always in the thick 01 it. Now, it’s like this in the neWSpaper business; your chief is never the person to suggest that you take a. vacation. He is usually short of men and long on things to do, so if you don’t worry him into letting you off he won‘t lose any sleep over it. He’s content to let well enough alone every time. Then there is always someone who wants to get away on grossing business,â€"-grandfsther’s funeral, and that sort of thing, â€"so if a. fellow 13 con- tent to work right along his chief is quite content to let him. Thab’ s the way atfairs l_ia.ve gone for years with me. The oth_er day I went over to Washington to interview a Senator on the political prospects. I tell you what it is Stilly, without bragging, there are some big men in the States whom no one but me can interview. And yet old Scrag says I’m no credit to his class ! Why, last year my political predictions were tele- graphed all over this country, and have since appeared in the European press. No credit ! By Jove, I would like to have old Scrag in a. twenty-four-foot ring with thin gloves on for about ten minutes. V AI___- “ I doubt if he would shine under those circumstances. But never mind him. He spoke, for once, without; due reflection. and with perhaps an exaggerated remembrance of your school-day offences. What happened when you wcnt to Washington ‘2” 11?! ,, T “ A strange thing happened. ‘Vhen I was admitted to the Senator’s library I saw anosher fellow, whom I thought I knew, sitting there. I said to the Senator, ‘ I will come when you are alone.’ The Sena.- tor loo‘ ed up in surprise, and said, “ I am alone.’ Ididn’t. say anything, but went on with my intezivew, and the other fellow took notes all the time. I didn’t. like this, but said nothing, for the Senator is not a man to offend, and it. is by not oifending these fellows that I can get the information I do. Well, the other fellow came out with me, and as I looked at him I saw that, he was myself. This did not strike me as strange at the time, but I argued with him all the way to New York and tried to show him that he wasn’t treating me fairly. I wrote up the inter- view With the other fellow interfering all} the while, so I compromised, and half the i time put in what he suggested and half the I time what I wanted in myself. When the political editor went over the stall he look- ed alarmed. I told him frankly just how I had been interfered with, and he looked none the less alarm- ed when I had finished. He sent at once for a doctor. The doctor metaphor- 1 ically took me apart, and then said to my 1 chief, “This man is simply worked to death. ? He must have a vacation, and a. real one, ‘ w.th absolutely nothing to think of, or he is going to go to pieces, and that with a. suddenness that will surprise everybody.’ The chiei, to my astonishment, consented without a murmur, and even upbraided me for not going away sooner. Then the doc- tor said to me, ‘You get some companion, â€"some men with no brains, if possible, who will not discuss politics, who has no opinion on anything that any sane man won (I care to talk about, and who wouldn’t say a. bright thing if he tried for a. year. Get such amen to go off to the woods some- where. U p in Maine or in Canada~ As far away from post-offices and telegraph oflicesas possible. And, by the way, don’t leave your address at the Argus office.’ Thus it happened, Stilly. when he described ‘this man so graphical!y, I at once thought of ygu.” - . .u.‘ 1 f n '1 “I am deeply gratified, I am sure,” said the professor, with the ghost of a. smile, “to be so promptly remezfibered in such a. connection, and if I can be of service to you 1 shall be very glad. I take it, then, that you have no intention of stopping in Buffalo?” “ You bet I haven’t. I’m in for the forest pnmeval. the musmuring pines and the CHAPTER II. â€"-(Co ’nxcm. ) ROBT. BARR, IN “LIPPINCOTT‘S MAGAZINE.” 50 .L‘ 8W 9 wasn’t; “Now,” he said to the bar-keeper, plac- Le inter- i“? the jug tenderly on the bar, “fill that, :ring aulup to the .nozgle thh the bggb {yg you ha‘t the l have. FM 11; thh the 91d famlhar Juxce, 9.3 mi; an i ““31“? Poet Qmay _saxth.” V ‘ hemlock, bearded with moss and green in I the something or otherâ€"J forget the rest. ’ I want to quit lying on paper and lie on my ' back instead, on the award or in a. hammock. 1 I’m going to avoid all boarding-houses or delightful summer resorts and go in for the 5 quiet_of the fogest.” . . n “ No, sir. No lake shore for me. It would remind me of the Lake Shore Railway when it was calm and Long Branch when it was rough.- No, sir. The woods, the woods, and the woods. I have hired about and a. lot of cooking-things. I’m going to take that tent over to Canada to-morrow, and then I propose we engage a. man with a. team to cert it somewhere into the woods, fifteen or twenty mnes away. \Ve shall have to be near a farm-house, so that we can get fresh butter, milk, and eggs. This, of course, is a. disadvantage; but‘I shall try to get near some one who has never even heard of New York.” “ There ought, to be some nice places along_the lake shore. " n - A l CHAPTER III. “ What’s all this tackle ‘2” asked the burly and somewhat red-faced customs- ~ otlicer at Fort Erie. “ This.” said Yates, “is a. tent, with the poles and pegs appertaining thereto. These are a number of paJkages of tobacco, on which I shall doubtless have to pay some- thing into the exchequer of Her Majesty. 1 This is a. jar used for the holding of liquids. I beg to call your attention to the fact that it is Oat present empty, which unfortunately prevents me making me a. libation to the rites oi good- fellowship. What my friend has in that valise I don’t know, but I sus- pect a. gambling-outfit,and would advise you l to search him.” “Oh, I don t know. I have great hopes of the lee}: of intelligence 1n_ then _Canadian_s.” “ Often the nai'rowesb,” said thé profes- sor, slowly, are those who think themselves the most; cosmopolibag." _ “ Right you are i" cried Yates, skim- ming lightly over the remark and seeing nothing applicable to his casein it. “Well, I’ve laid in about half a. ton, more or less, of tobacco, and have brought an empty JIJ .3! %‘ An empty one '2” “ Yes. Among the few things worth having that the Canadians possess, is good whiskey. Besides, the empty jug will save trouble at the custom-house. I don’t sup- pose Canadian rye is as good as the Ken- tucky article, but you and I Wlll have to scrub along on it for a. while. And talk- ing of jugs, just press the button once again.” The professor did so, saying,â€" “ The doctor made no remark, I suppose, about drinking less or smoking less, did he ‘3" W“Youma.y find that somewhat diffi‘ cult.” “ In my case ‘2 Well, come to think of it, there was some conversation in that direc- tion. Don’t remember at the moment just what it amounted to ; but all physicians have their littlefads, you know. It doesn’t do to humor them too much. â€"-Ah, boy, there you are again. Well, the professor wants another drink. Make it a. gin fiz this time, and put plenty of ice in it but don’ t neglect the gin on that account. Certainly; charge it to room 518. ” “ \Iy valise contains books principally, with some articles of weaning apparel,” sai_c_1_ the professor) opepirgg his gyip. The customs-officer looked with-suspicion l on the whole outfit, and evidently did not like the tone of the American. He seemed to be treating the customs department in a ligh‘fisnd airy manner, and the officer was too much impressed by the dignity of his position not to resent flippancy. Besides, there were rumors of Fenian invasion in the air, and the officer resolved that no Fenian ibould get into the country without paying uty. ‘ “ Where are you going with this tent?” “I’m sure I don’t know. Perhaps you can tell us. I don’t know the country about here. Say, Stilly, I’m off up-town. to attend to this jug. I’ve been' empty too often myself not to sympathize with its condition. You wrestle this matter out about the tent. You know the ways of the country, whereas I don’t.” cut in. It was perhaps as well that Yates left negotiations in the hands of his friend. He was quick enough to see that he made no headway with the officer but rather the op- posite; He slung the jug ostentatiously over his shoulder, to the evidsut discom- fort of the professor, and matched up the hill to the nearest tavern, whistling one of the lgtely popular war-tunes. The bar-tender did as he was requested. “Can you disguise a. httle of that. fluid in any way so that. it. may be taken internally without; a. man suspecting what he is swal- lowing?” Th; bar-keeper smiled. “ How would a. cocktail fill the vacancy ‘2” _ c. I “ I can suggés‘. nothing better,” replied Yates. “ If you are sure you know how to make it.” The man did not resent this imputation of ignorance. He merely said, with the air of one who gives an incontrovertible answer, “ I am a. Kentucky man, myself.” “ Shake,” cried Yates,briefly;as he reach- ed his hand across the bar. “How is is you happen 30 be here ‘2” 1-.11 4 AMLI- ”‘r‘VV-efi; I got into a. little trouble in Louisville, and here I am where I can at least look at God’s counpryi” ..-o iv:.£i:l-<;1;1_o;1;"v iérrotested Yates. “ You’re maki_ng_ox_11y one cocktail.” V ,1 41.- .__-__ ______ a 7,3, , “ Didn’t; you say one '2” asked the man, pausing in the compounding. A_- --..1_L..:1 w«~-â€"a __ iv . “Bless you, 1 never saw one cocktail made in my life. You are with me on this.” “ J ust as you say.” replied the other, as he pfgparegfin‘m‘lgh 101- two. , 3! __.1 ‘Y_L‘_ -.v I'"r"‘ 7 N. V (1 “ Now, I'll tell on m fix,” said Yates 5 rather a. welcome cnan e Irom me avers. e y y a S confidentially. “ I’ve got a. tent and some } American road. Sometimes they passed camp things down below at the custom-Ialong avenues of overbranching trees, house shanty,and I want to get them when ' which were evidently relics of tire forest. into the woods where I can camp out with that once covered all the district. The a friend. I want a place where we can groad followed the ridge, and on each side have absoluterest and quiet. Doyou‘knowI were frequently to be seen wide vistas of the country round here? Perhaps vyoutlower-lying country. All along the road could recommend a spot.” ; _ were cdmfortablc farm-houses; and it was In» vvnnvu, “v â€"-â€"D~_.-. {a straight line, and in this respect was ' said Yates, 1 rather a. welcome change from the average :nt and some 1 American road. Sometimes they passed the custom- I along avenues of overbranching trees, 6 them taken ' which were evidently relics of the forest run out with‘that once covered 34! the _district. The “Well, there’s a. man in to-day from somewhere n_ea.r Ridgeway, I think, He’s goba. hay~rack with him, and that would be just, the thing to take your tent; and poles. \Vouldn’b be very comfortable traveiling for you, but it would be all right for the tent, if it’s a big one.” “Oh, he’ll be along here soon. That's his team tied there on the side-street. If he happens to be in good humor he’ll take your things, and as like as not give you a. place to camp in his woods. Hiram Bart- lett’s his name. And, talking of the old Nick himself, here he is.â€"I say, Mr. Barb lett, this gentleman was wondering if you couldn’t tote oat some of his belongings. He_’s going out your way.” ‘ i “This will suit. us exactly. We don’t care a. cent about the comfort. Roughing it is what we came for. \Vhere will 1 find “Well, for all the time I’ve been here I know precious little about; the back country. I've been down the road to the F 21113, but. never back in the woods. I suppose you wan_t_sorne place by the lake or the river?” 1 him? Bartlet; was. a. somewhat uncouth and wiry speclmen of the Canadian farmer, who evidently paid little attention to the sub- ject of dress. He said nothing. but. looked in alowering way at Yates with something ofgontempt and suspicion in his glance. Yates had one receipt for making the ac- quaintance of all mankind. “Come in, Mr. Bartlett,” he said, cheerlly, “and try one of my friend’s excellent cocktails.” u‘r 4.. .1..- .--:..- ~4.....:...1..a. N annually: 12..» “I take 'mine straight,” growled Bart,- letb, gruffly, although he stepped inside the open door. “I don’t want no Yankee mix- tures in mine. Plain whiskey’s good enough for any man, if he is a. man. I don’t take _ “No, I idgnr’cv.‘ I want to get clear back mto the forest,-â€"if there is; foresfi.” enough.” The bar-tender winked at Yates as he shoved the decanter over to the new-comer. “Right; you are,” assented Yates,cordial- 1y The farmer did not thaw out in the least because of this prompt agreement with him, but sipped his Whiskey gloomily, as if it: were a. most disagreeable medicine. . «Q. “What did you want me to take out ‘2” he said at last. “A friend and a, tent, a. jug of whiskey, and a. lot of jolly good tobacco.” “How much are you willing to pay ‘2” “Oh, I don’t know. I’m always willing to do what’s right. How would five dollars strike you?" The farmer scowled and shook his head. “ Too much,” he said, as Yates was about to offer more. “ ’Tain’t Worth it. Two-and-a-half would be about the right figure. Don’no but that’s too much. I’ll think on it going home and charge you 1 what it’s worth. I’ll be ready to leave in about an hour, if that suits. That’s my team on the other side of the ma. i. If it’s gone when you came back I’m gone, an’ you’ll have to get somebody else.” ,L ~I,A,,. past. ‘ “Blast if I know. Hiram says we did. I told him once that We got what we want- ed from old England, and he nearly haul- ed me over the bar. So 1 give you the Iwarning, it you want to get along with him.” J VVWViith this Iiérblett drew} his coat-sleeve across his mouth and derparLeAdt “ That’s him exactly,” said the bar-keep- er. “He’s the most; cantankerous crank in the township. And say, let me give you a pointer. If the subjecn of 1812 comes up,â€" the war, you know,â€"you’d better admit; that we got thrashed out of our boots; that is, if you want; to get along with Hiram. He haves Yankees like poison,” â€"“ And Hid we get thrashed in 1812 '2” asked Yates, who was more familiar with current. topics than with the history of the V“Tha.nk you. I’ll remember it. So long.” _ A' This friendly hint from the man in the tavern offers a. key to the solution of the problem of Yates‘s success on the New York press. He coxg‘ld get news ‘when no other nun could. Flippant and shallow as he undoubtedly was, he somehow got, into the inner confidence of all sorts of men ina. way that made them give him an inkling of anything that- Was going on for the mere love of him, and Yates often got valuable assistance from his acquaintances which other reporters coulgl not; got for money. The New-Yorker found the professoi' sit- ting on a. bench by the custom-house, chat- ting with the officer, and gazing at the rapidly-flowing broad blue river in front of them. “I have got a. man,” said Yates, “who will take us into the wilderness in about; an hour’s time. Suppose we explore the town. I expect nobody will run away with the tent till we come beek.” _ v. “I’ll look after that,” said the offi car; and, thanking him,the two friends strolled up the street. They were a. trifle late in getting back, and when they reached the tavern they found Bartlett just on the point of driving home. He grufily consented to take them if they did not keep him more than five minutes loading up. The tent and appurtenances were speedily loaded on the hay-rack,and then Bartlett drove up to the tavern and waited,saymg uothing,a.lthough he had been in such a hurry a few moments before. Yates did not like to ask the cause of the delay: so the three sat there silently. After a while Yates said, as mildly as he could,-â€"â€" “Are you waiting for any one, Mr. Bart- lett ‘3” ' “Yes,” answered the driver, in a. surly tone. “I’m waiting for you to go in for that jug. Idon’t suppose you filled it to leave on the counter.” -_-. _. m “By Jove!” cried Yates, springing ofi‘. “I had forgotten all about it, which shows the extraordinary effect this country has on me already.” The professor frowned, but Yates came out merrily with the jug in his hand, and Bartlett started his team. They drove out of the village‘ and up a. slight hill, going for a. mile or two along a. straight and somewhat sandy road. Then they turned to what Bartlett said in answer to a. quesfion by the professor was the Ridge Road, and there was no neei to ask why it was so termed. It was a. good high- ..m, hm. nther stonv. the road being, in 9" H I. u .__ _, way, but rathér stony, the roadâ€" being: in places, on the bare rock. In paid not. the slightest attention to Euclid’s definition of LL: ....... 0- man a vilaner, neither. I’ve got; trouble “Humph E” g‘runted Bartlett, scowling deeper than ever, after which he became silent again. The team was not going very ’ast, although neither the load nor the roads were heavy. Birtlett was muttering a good deal to himself, and now and then brought down his whip savagely on one or the other of the horses, but themoment the unfortunate animals quickened their pace he hauled them in roughly. Nevertheless they were going quickly enough to be over- taking a. young woman who was walkin on alone . Although she must have heard t em coming over the rocky road, she did not turn her head, but walked along with the free and springy step of one who is not only accustomed to walking, but who likes it. Bartlett paid no attention to the girl ; the professor was endeavoring to read his thin book as well as a man might who is being jolted frequently ; but Yates, as soon as he recognized that the. pedestrian was young, pulled up his collar, adjusted his necktie with care, and placed his hat in a. somewhat more jauuty and fetching posxtion. AV is . v ‘ '1 n!’ evident that a. prosperous community flogIrislzed along the gidge. “ Yes.” “ Where’s he from ‘3” “ My friend is from New York,” answer- ed the innocent. professor. -k- ... 1- “ Are you going to offer that girl a. ride?” he said to Bartlett. “ No. I'm not.” “ I think that is rather uncivil,” he added, forgetting the warning he had had. “ You do, eh? Well you offer her aride. You hired the team.” “Vngizifiiétbnsp-yia only “once, and then the professcr, who sat next to him. “You a. Canadian ‘2'" “By Jove, I will,” said Yates, placing his hand on the outside of the rack and springing lightly top the _2{ond.. t “ 1:11:51 :hing” rowled Bartlett to the Y professor, “ that she’s going to ride with the like of him.” The professor looked for a. moment at Yates politely taking off his hat; to the apparently astonished young woman, but he said nothing. “ Eur two cents.” continued Bartlett, gathering up the reins, “I’d whip up the horses and let him walk the rest of the way.” ‘v‘ From what I know of my friend,” answered the professor, slowly, “I tbmk he would pot. object in_ the slightest.” _ ‘ Bartlett mattered sometEing to himself, and seemed to change his mind about gal- lopipg hisg {gong}. ' Meanwhile, Yates, as has been said, took off his hat, with great politeness to the fair pedestrian, and as he did so he noticed with a. thrill of admiration that she was very handsome. Yates always had an eye for the beautiful. WHAT TORTUEBS THE FLESH DAN STAND. Horrifying Tests Applied in London by a l‘aklr of Morocco. The management of the Aquarium at Westminster has the laudable amhition to secure novelties, but that ambition has overreached itself in engaging the “ invul- nerable fakir,” Ha ij Soliman ben Aiesa. This young man’s performance is entirely unsuited for a. public exhibition. however interesting it may be to scientists. Soliman is a. pale-faced, muscular, F reach-speaking ‘ Arab, ‘28 years of age, and he is said to be a. i priest of the A1353. sect of Mohammedans. Yesterday he gave an exhibition of his powers too. body of medical and press men, and Mr. Kitchie made no secret of the fact that the salary paid to Soliman is one that some Cabinet Ministers might envy . The general appearance of the man in his i Arab costume was picturesque, and his cast of countenance is ascetic. A brazier filled with burning charcoal stood on a table, and Soliman, sprinkling some mys- terious powder over the embers. inhaled the incense-scented fumes. He then went through the fakir dance, which consists of throwing the head backward and forward with such rapidity that it needs must be screwed on well. Telling his audience in excellent French that he was now insensible to pain, he ran a long needle through the muscles of each arm, through each cheek, and through the throat below the Adam’s apple. No blood came except at call, and the Arab did not Wine-e in the least. ' Then a. more objectionable “feat” wasl accomplished. Soliman ran a dagger into‘ his abdomenâ€"about the middleâ€"fully three inches deep. This was enough for some of the audience, who left the hell. But there was more to follow. The Arab with a thick needle pierced his tongue,the tongue being, of course, one of the most sensitive parts of the human body. The fakir next drew out his left eye, as far as it would go. with a dagger. A medical gentleman declared afterward that it was done by dislocation. The eyeball is an unlovely thingâ€"at least those parts of it which a merciful Provi- dence keeps concealedâ€"and the “feat” is as disgusting as it is, happily, uncommon. The curious thing about it was that there ‘ was no running of water. After this it SSem'ed quite time to see the man take out half a. dozen vipers, brought from his native Morocco, and allow one of them repeatedly to bite his hand. The ven- ‘ omous creatures were a little larger than those one often encounters in this country. Finally Soliman put his bered arm over a fire till thelimb blackened and the audience cried, “ Hold, enough l” The flesh did not seem to scorch at all. Then there was a. repetition of the dance, and the man went at such a. pace that he fell forward. He dashed water over his head, breathed hard, and groaned, and made an exhausted bow to the audience. The medical committee was unanimous that the “performance” was genuine, but no one attempted to salve the riddle. The most probable explanation that occurs is that the powder fumes serve as an an~ aesthetic. The anthropologists of Munich seem to have been delighted with the ex- hibition, but the general public of the country, who raised an outcry against the affair last week at the Chicago Exposition, are much more likely to be sickened than satisfied. “I told you to go to the devil with that bill, " exclaimed the angry ediwr. “And I went, ” said the cool collectm, “but the devil said you were owing h1m, too.” Little stocks of water, If mixed with proper sand, And floated on the market, Sufi' rates oft command. (TO BE coxnxUED.) The British and French Wanting In Cen- \ Ira! Afr-lo! The French and British are having a very lively time in West Central Africa. Those who have seen recent maps of Africa know that the French have painted a large part of North-West Africa a salt of salmon yellow color, which it appears is the geographical mark cf the nation of the tricolor. I‘iearly all Senegambia and the Ivory, Coast of Upper Guinea, together with the hinterland which embraces about two-thirds of the Saha to. desert, is now a. French protectorate. French territory, therefore, stretches from Algeria on the Mediterranean down to the Gulf of Guinea and from Lake Tchad to the Atlantic Ocean. The city of Timbuctoo, dear to poets, is about the centre of their possessions. It has been pointed out that the Germans seem to have a. great love for malarial bogs and marshes and swamps. judging from the avidity with which they ‘ the Cameroons and the east coast of New Guinea. The French seem to be about as sentimental in regard to the possession of desei Ls and of waste howling wildernesses. Like the famous carpenter, or was it the walrus, of “Wonderland,” they seem “to weep like anything to see such quantities of send” all lovely, belonging to nobody! Except a. few stray bits of property, mostly commanding river mouths like Gambia, Sierra Leone, British Liberia, the Gold Coast, etc, the British have painted red in North-West Africa. only the districts bordering on the river Niger with its great tributaq, the Benure, north about as far as Lake Tchad, the west and south coasts of which they claim. About a. year ago there was a. race for Lake Tchad and its neighborhood by the British, French and Germans. The British having the rivers Niger and Benure in their possession, seem to and made treaties with the Sultans south of Lake Tchad to about the twelfth parallel of latitude. French officers, by hiring boats and buying' provisions from the British Royal Niger Cbmpany, got up the Benue, but of course some time after the British had made the treaties. This did not matter, however, for the French tore up the British treaties, and the Sultans were quite willing to make new ones with the latest bringers of firearms, ammunition and whiskey. The British, hearing of this, refused to afford the French facilities for returning from Lake Tchad, and the whole expedition seem to be stranded there. The French on the coast have not the means of communicating with the expedition, let alone relieving it, and the British naturally refuse to assist ‘ them unless they apologize for setting aside THE BRITISH TBEATIES, and withdraw their claims to the Central Soudan. At present only the African agents of both governments are at war over the affair, but the Governments are likely to take it up soon, and ti en we shall bear a. great deal about the immense value of the Lake Tchad country and the Central Sou- dan. Great Britain wants to have 8. clear strip of territory from the East Coast to the \Vest throughout Africa; from the month of the Niger, that is, across by Uganda. to Mombasa. They Want to carry a. telegraph line at once and a. railway by-and-by from Cape Town to Cairo too. About one-quar- ,9\I L- vâ€" v _-. ter of théâ€"tâ€"eileggraph construction wiil be done this year if all goes well. A Remarkable Discovery in South Ans- India. The greatest discovery of fossil remains ever made in any part of the southern hemi- sphere has just taken place in one of most barren and forbidding localities in the north-c east of South Australia. The animals, whose remains are included in this great discovery, are principally of the extinct species, the diprotodon, a species of mar- supial closely allied to the Australian kan- garoo. In most respects, however, the diprotodon, during its terrestrial existence, bore rather a. resemblance to the hippopot- amus than to any form of life now existent ‘ 1n the lands of the antipodes. Besides the I bones of these animals there have been found some remains of the gigantic bird, dinornis, now extinct. . . . a No fewer than eighty diprotodons are represented by the bones already unearth- ed, and it is evident from the close proxim- ity of the localities where the chief col- lections have been made that the struggle for existence must have been particularly severe at the time when so many creatures of the same species were driven to take refuge in one sp‘ot.‘ ‘1 3# __-..-_.1 ‘A any-v-â€" .. e -_v -r e V, The most probable theory in regard to this great collection of fossil remains would, therefore, seem to be that when the race was becoming nearly extinct some great drouth drove all the animals of the sur- rounding territory to seek for refuge in the only place where water was to be found. This theory appears all the more feasible owing to the fact that certain springs of nearly fresh water are found near the lake, and these would obviously form the rally- ing point for all sorts of animals during a. great drou‘th. ‘ AI - J:....-L-JA.. .mnnauuna in slcuv \ILVMvt-u The skull of the diprotodon measures, in some specimens, over 3 feet long, and the length of the animal, when set up, will be full 10 feet. The bones of the tail are so short that it is probable the animal had, in life, no perceptible tail, being, in this respect, remarkably unlike most of the marsupials now existent in Australia. BONES 01" EXTINCT MONSTERS. James VI. was the first who established public races, and Gortenly, in Yorkshire, Croydon, and Theobalds, on Enfield Chase, were the usual race courses. The general weight of the jockeys was 10:17. Huntingdonshire and Cambridgeshire, England, are troubled at the presant. time with an unusual number of wasps. In the neighborhood of Gamlingay alone nearly forty nests have already been destroyed. a, A -__ A few days ago several musty ‘docu- ments were found in the City at Mexico, by which it; was learned that treasure, Valued at £400,000, was buried under a. certain house in that city. The excavat- ing was begun, and in a short time a clay vessel, filled with gold powder, was un- earthed. Then came several pieces of solid silver ware. A death of only a few feet has yet been reached, the work having been interrupted by a» great. flow of water into the cavity, As soon as the water can be shut out. or eontrolled, the work d e:- ; cavating will be resumed. BIVALS 01“. LA}; 9 C‘QHAD. HAVE WON THE RACE HAVE GOBBL ED UP