SPORTING.

RACING FIXTURES. AUSTRALIA.

July 21at—Victoria Racing Club Steeplechase MNovefnber 3rd, 6th. Bth. LOth-Victoria Racing Club Spring Meeting.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

T. Hirx. Northern Wairoa.-Lone Hand won tbeStoeplonhase at the Cal»b"dS )0 3rtßman Meeting of 1881. currying *%&,s%£?£& 108tJib being a«°°^ mn d? u S li«STround nm^. itthatti™ he was owned by Mr B. Ooyle. G.H.8.-Fiahhook won theD-««U«g»P in 1877 SuRSCR^nBR-Theu;? are 160 nominations for the Melbourne Cap this year.

NOTES BY HIPPONA.

The Hawke's Bay J.C. Steeplechase meeting on Thursday seems to have been a most successful affair, and famished a fitting con clusion to the New Zealand racing season of 1882-83. As I predicted la3t week, Clarence got home first in the big event, carrying the heavy impost of 12st 121b, Quamby being second,and Loch Lomond third. Clarence's many brilliant] performances are too weil knowu 10 ray readers for me to offer any remarks, but it may be mentioned Quamby's have been poor, for previous to his winning the Hurdles at ilio South Canterbury Jockey Club Meeting in April, he had not placed a win t(t his credit ior nine months,

Since the receipt of tin nominations for the Melbourne Cup, there has been a good deal of business done in Melbourne and Sydney. The V. K.U. Derby favourites are Warwick and Archie, each of whom have been supported at sto 1. Off Colour h»» been bookud at 100 to 15 to win a good stake, whilst Martlui-Henn has oeen quietly nibbled at at 10 to 1. The principal invest menU in Sydney oa the Melbourne Cup, straight out, seem to favour Segenboe, Drummer, Lord Li?gar, Dirk Hatteraick, Archie, and Pell Mell, at prices ranging from 1,000 to 20 to 1,000 to 50. In Mel bourne, Pell Mell, Sweet William, Off Colour, Segenhoe, and Navigator have baen backed at 1,000 to 30 each, while among many o her wagers 1,000 to 20 each has been accepted about Nicholas, air Modred, Lord Lisgar, and Zulu, a late " Australasian " gives the following list of prices :— V. B. C. DBBBY. 100 to 20 agst Navigator (tk) 100 to JO Warwick (tk) 100 to U Off Colour (tk> 100 to 10 Martini-Henri (tk) 100 to 5 Sardiua (tk) MELBOURNE CUP. 100 to 3 agst Pell Moll (tk) 100 to 3-— The Drummer (tk) 100 to 3 — Navigator (tk) 100 to 3 — Sweot William (tk) 100 to 3 Segenhoe (tk) 100 to 2 Zulu (tk) 100 to 2 Sir Modrod (tkt 100 to 2 I-ord Li-gar <tk) 100 to 2 — Nicholas (tk)

A Sydney writer says, the Hon. James "White's tfuw Zealand bred colt, Martini- Henry, is engaging some attention for (he coming three-year-old events of next sea bob, and a good deal of money has already been taken up about him for the DarbWs ia a quiet manner. The son of Musket aad Sylvia Is wintering very well, and there is just a possibility that he may upset the calculation* ot those who expect to see both blue ribbons go to Mr A. K. smart by the aid of Warwick and Archie. There has been a deal of diacussion in Auckland sporting circles during the post couple of weeks as to what impost the tip. weight in the Melbourne Cud will receive this yeai under the new Victorian Racing Club rules, which come into force from the Ist July. On turning up a back number of the " Australasian," I find that journal refers to the subject in a leading article as follows :—" With 6st 71b for a minimum, etc., horses of the calibre of Commotion must be awarded something like 1(M 71b, and as a consequence they will probably be absentees when the time for the decision of the race arrives. Among the second-rate division, from Oat to lOst, the defections will, perhaps, be even greater in com parison, and the fields for Inture Melbourne Caps will not, perhaps, be as numerous as they have been. Vet with a minimum of Cat, we mw Darebln, a young four-year-old, carry Oat • 91b into a prominent place in the latt Melbourne Cup; and with the good horses of three years old and upwards raised in a comparative degree, we see no reason why another Barb should not be found to carry lOat 81b to victory in a great two-mile handicap." The above ,1s cer tainly not very cheerful news for the early backers of Commotion, Navigator, and Co* but they will soon have their minds act at rest on this point by the ap pearance of the weights, which are due on Monday next at 4 p.m. For the next Maribyrnong Plate, Messrs A. F. Smart, S. Gardiner, and E De Meatre are the largest nominators, having seven each opposite their names. The Hon Jamlis White, Sir Thomas Eider, Mr W Branch, Mr J. Whittingbam, Mr J, Wilson, and Mr P. Coglin have entered four each. Several homes that have distinguished themselves in previous years have near relatives engaged, notably the ex-champion First King, who has a full brother named Sicond King, and Richmond, who has a full sister in Superba, and Guesswork, who has also a fall sister ctlled Peut-Otie. The others include half-brothers to Navigator, Chester, Commotion, Archie, Zulu, Colum bus, Gipsy Cooper, Mistaken, Anglesey, Burgundy, Calamia, and Pride of the Hills. There is also a full sifter to Middlemarch in the list Mr C. J. Penfold, the Secretary of the Chiistehurch Hunt Club, has forwarded me a programme of their Steeplechase Meeting, which takes place on the 2nd of August. The added money amounts to £225, distributed among five events, the principal of which is the Open Handicap Steeplechase of lOOsovs. In the list of entries for the Melbourne Cup (writes "Augur") there appears the name of an imported colt named Spread Eagle, by Russia from Yehomo, He is nominated in the name of Mr W. Frame, and is a mystery to many people. I could not find in the English Stud Book any stal lion named Russia, or any mare named Yehomo; therefore I was inclined to be-' lieve be was an American cult. Some I people imagined that he came with Mr A. K. Jttolay's mares, and was already located at St. Alban'a. Of this I know nothing, but whatever he may be or wherever he may conic from, we'll give his owner a hearty British welcome if he should happen to win the great Spring Handicap of the V.R.C. From what I can glean, 1 believe the horse was bred at the Cape of Oood Hope. I cannot help remarking (w rites Robin Hood") that the public bavc, beyond ttoubt, to some extern lost faith in Fred, Archer. Now, I do not for a moment think there is any real cause for this, and i hope the victory of G-alliaid may remove i;; but It is generally believed that Fred. Archer has a large interest in the horses rained by his brother, and, therefore, in

stead of an animal shortening in tbe price current with Archer op (as was the rale a short time ago), toe reverse is often the case, if Cnarley Archer has in the same race a much-fancied and heavily-backed candidate. This was particularly the case latt year, when Wtllenstein beat Fortis simo fee the Manchester Cup; and again in the Two Thousand Guineas, Galliard declined from 3 to 1 to 9 to 2 in the last half-hour. As it turned out, Galliard, as mentioned abors, won by tha jockeyship of his rider, whilst the brother's horse was nowhare. Still it is almost a pity F. Archer does not declare that he has no interest in his brother's horses (if he has none); for, after all, however much of his career has b:ea above suspicion, there are certain to be tho worst of ru mours tbe first time a horse of C. Archer's (heavily backed) just beats by a head another prominent favourite ridden by the brother,

There are 12S nominationa for the Geelong Kacing Club's Sires Produce Stakes of 1886. Among the number are the New Zealand Company's br c, by Musket—Bergere ; br f, by Musket—Pearl ash; br c. by Muakec-Onyx ; br f, by Musket—Glytemnestra; br c, by Musket - realisation; b or br f, by Musket—Sister A|jne«; br I, by Cadogan—Titania; be, by Cap-a-pie—My Idea ;chc, by Cadogan— Naiad ; br f, by Musket—Sylyia; eh c, by Leolinus—Petrolense; br c, by Musket— Lyra; br c, by Musket—Locket,

Condensed Items.

Murphy has Hippodamia's sister located in one of the boxes formerly occupied by J. Laing. " Nemo " cays Creswick and Ad Valorem will require a loDg holiday, and it may be tbe former will never race again.

The Kandwick racecourse, recently widened, is now 100 ft all round, and it is said there is not a bad turn in it.

"Augur" says the 63t 71b minimum will probably put all of the three-year-olds out of the Melbourne Cup, The Prince, who ran third for the Two Thousand Guineas, was sold a few days after tbe race for the enormous sum of £10,000. It is rumoured that the colonial Archer, Tom Hailes, is aboat to follow tho ex ample of ihe redowned " tinman," and take unto himself a wife.

Among the entries for the next Maribyr noun Plate is a full brother to Mr Montague Smith's Rubina named Kingship. Tbe colt is nominated by the Hon W. Peat son, owner ot Commotion and Frying Pan.

Tlio conditions of the Melbourne Cup, wherein no allowance is made for a filly in the event of her winning the A.J.C. or V.R.O. Derby, has met with a deal oi ad verse comment in a Sydney paper. "Miles," of the "Australian Spoits* man," in reviewing the Uawkeabury Guineas candidates, does not thiui* Mar tini-Henry will be ready for the fray so early as August next. George Fordham, the English horseman, rode twelve winners during the four days' racing at the recent Newmarkec Meetiug. L"p to April 27, he was at the head of tbo list of winning jockeys, C, Wood being second uigbust, and IT. Archer third. In the Melbourne Cnp nominations (writes " Augur") Guess wort and his si'ter, Conjecture, have both been nomi nated at three years old. It is explained by ihe fact h*t the filly was foaled two or three days before the Ist of July. Lone Hand and Merlin, lately turned ont for a spell, were previously in training for the long period of eleven months. During the past season, the old grey started ia 21 races, only getting home first in three. Merlin started in 20, placing six wins to m» credit.

The various events of the Victoria Racing Club Steeplechase Meeting, run on the 21st July, have filled up well. For the Grand National Hurdle Race, there is an entry of 21, while the Steeplechase nominations number 27. Ho New Zealandera figure in the list

Among the mares nominated for the V.R.C, Mares' Produce stakes is Messrs C. and A. Fialay's American sister to the great horse Foxhs.lL After arriving in rnglandfrom America, she visited the well known English horse Hampton, and is er pected to foal to Australian time. Forest King, a three-year-old sou of Maribyruong and Xarifa has come Into prominent notice In .Sydney lately through running well at up-country meetings, tie has been backed by his stable to win the Hawkeabury Handicap and Great Metro politan Stakes to the extent of £10,000. Of the 578 mares nominated for the V.R.C. Mares' Produce Stakes,no less than 91 are in the name of Mr Andrew Town, of the Kichmond Stud. Mr S. Gardiner, ot Bnndoora Park, thlnkiig the 100 soys. offered too insignificant for a Mares' Pro duce Stakes, did not nominate.

By the arrangement recently entered into between the Dowager Duchess of Montrooe and Sir Frederick Johnstone, the latter is to pay Her Grace one-third of tbe winnings of Macheath and the other hones that have been leased to *• ir Frederlak for their racing career. The Duchess has exprewed her determination never to visit another race course—this year at any rate. Two days previous to the race for the Two Thousand Guineas (writes our London correspondent), it was reported by the " know-alls " that Galliard's trial was not what it had been represented, and that Archer, who wm to ride the colt, had backed Highland Chief, Consequently, the day before the race, Galliard went to 5 to 1, thongh "Archer's mount" money brought him back eventually to 9 to 2. From West Maitland, " Martiodale" learns that there are six-and-tweuty horses in work, and all doing well. Amongst them is the Melbourne Cnp winner, Zulu, who looks rery well indeed. He is under the care of Mr Jamea Mayo, who is giving him left-handed work. That would lead one to the opinion that the owners of the black son of Barbarian and Maiden's Blush have a wish to f core the first Mel bourne Cup to which 1,000 sovereigns is given.

The Race for the Two thousand Guineas.

[BIT OUR SPECIAL CORRESI'ONDENT IK

LONDON.]

London, May 4. The Two Thousand afternoon was all that could be wished in the matter of weather, and the attendance even larger than on Cesarewltch day. Fifteen rnnners were telegraped for the great race, the field being swelled at the lost moment by several hope less outsiders. In the paddock Prince was liked best, Chiselhnrst seeming on the small side, and Highland Chief over trained. Mat Dawson put Galliard to lights at the qniet Ditch stables, and these who went there to have a look felt quite satisfied, not only with the colt, but also with Goldfield, who had plenty of backers .'it 10 to 1. Of the outsiders, St. Blaise, and )..ord Falmouth's second siring, the #roat strapping Grandmaster, were most tnucied; and ft was generally conceded that flamako, a noble-looking son of Hermit and Hippia, would see a better day, I append particular* .—

ihe Two Tuooßand GuiNßis Stakes, a sub scription ot 100 Boys. each, h ft., for three year olds; colts Set., allies Bst. 91b.; the second re ceived 200 boys., and the third saved Btake. KM. (1 mile 17 yardi). SS subs.

Lord Falmouth's b or br c Galliard, by Galo pin-Mavis, 9st (F. Archer) .. - - 1 Lord Cadogan sb o Ooldneld, by Springfield -Crucible. 9st fT. C*nnon) .. ••,,••2 Mr C. BUnton's bo The Prince, by Balfe— Lady Sopbio, 9at (0. Wood) .. _ ... 3 Also ran:—Highland Chief, by Hampton- Come: Ganimede, by Saxifrage-Good Night; Grandmaster, by Kingcraft-Queen Bertha; Kxport, by Exminster—liady Portland; Auc tioneer, by Landmark— Lady Abbess; St. Blaise, by Hermlt-Fosee; Montroyd, by Camballo— Queen Bee: Bon Jour, by Roslcrucian-Bonnie Katie: Chisolhuret, by Brtuclero - Empress; Modred, by Kisber—Bellient: Hamako, by Her mit-Hippia; and Padlock, by Wenlook-Boot BDBetting at the start-U to 4 agst Highland Chief. 9 to 2 aest Galliard, 5 to 1 agit, The Prince, 6 to 1 agst Chiaelhurst, 10 to 1 agst GoldJ field, 25 to 1 to 100 to 1 the others.

The field were despatched in excellent order at the first attempt almost, and Auctioneer raced away to the front, soon putting a dozen leagths between himself and Montruyd, who in turn was closely attended by Goldfield, Prince, Highland Chief, Grandmaster, and Gullinrd, whilst on the extreme right were Chiselhurst and St. Blaise well up. When rather more than half the distance had been compassed, Auctioneer and Moutroyd shot their bolts, and very soon after Grandmaster, Gani mede, and Padlock disappeared from the front rank. Descending the hill a few hundred yards further on, Highland Chief began to roll about like a ship in distress, and loud shouts from thering proclaimed all d anger from the favourite at an end. Mean while Goldfield, Prin.e, Galliard, St. Blaise, and Chiselhurst sotmed, to be all well in it, and the excitement aa they ueared nonie grew intense. Chieelburst was the first to " crack," and then St. Blaise, though struggling along manfully, had also to retire. The issue now lay between Prince, Galliard. and Goldfield, and as they ascended the hill the latter was well in front. Galliard on the left seemed ahead behind Lord Cadogan's colt, and at their quarters thundered Xae Prince, apparently going well. Inch by inch the lasNnauied decreased the gap, but he could not quite get up to his two opponents, of whom Goldfield swerved, and an almost pain folly exciting finish witnessed the success of Galliard by a bead, and that by no menus a long one, it was a spteudid race, splendidly ridden. i he time is given at lrain 50sec, which is faster than the records of dhotover, Petrouel (Musket's son), Charibert, or Pil grimage, and equal to that of Chamaut. but not np to tae famous performance of Diopbantu?. Value of the stakes, £4,600.

FIELD SPORTS AND AQUATICS

(BY ACTAEON).

FOOTBALL FIXTURES,

July 7.—New Zealand v. World; Auckland v

Tauranga. July 11.—North Shoro v. Auckland; Ponsonby

v. (Jrafton. July 21.—North Shore v. Graf ton; Ponsonby v,

Auvkiana. July 23.—Gnvtton v. Auckland; North Shore v. Ponsonby. Aug. 4.—Vacant. Aug. ll.—Club ties.

Some surprise has been occasioned by the proposal to send an Auckland football team to New South Wales, while at the same time the Southern men are taking steps to arrange for a representative New Zealand team to go over. Tbe explanation of the matter is, however, simple. JBe lieving that the Australian trip had lapsed, the Auckland Association wrote to the Southern clubs, asking what terms would be offered to a team going South. The answer was a fhuflling mis-statement, to the effect that it had not been the custom to oiler any terms, and consequently the pro posed Southern trip fell through. Auck land being strong in football players this season, was resolved to exnibita its prowess by sending a team somewhere, and the South being out of the question, a letter was tent to tbe .New South Wales Association asking their terms. Immediately after the communication was despatched, tbe Southern Unions resolved uoon sending a team to Australia, and Auckland wan culled upon to nominate four representa tives. The request was fair and considerate, but it came too late, and perhaps it is just as well that it did. Auckland can place a strong team in the field this season, bat foar men taken oat of it and sent to play witiPstrunKerH would naturally not show to buch advantage as they would when supported by iheir own comrades. If both teams go, there is reason to believe that, a juoicious selection being made, Auckland will have no reason to feel ashamed of her representatives in the football arena.

One noticeable feature in the play in the Domain on Saturday was tbe excellent passing of Grafton in the first term. Pro bably, the improvement was the result of a suggestion before the gams commenced, because it was observed only in tbe first term. It would be well if greater attention were paid to passing than is done. The improvement ia this respect ha« been very gtest since tbe lesson taught us by Welling ton, and yet there is still a great deal to b« learned in this one branch of the game. Graftoa failed to score a victory against Auckland, although tbey struggled hard for it, and were assisted materially by Mewart, a former Poosonbyite. ihe blue and-blacks crowed rather easily over the prostrate North shore men, but for once Wbiteside failed to score.

Ponsonby ha> won the whole of its first half of the cup matches.

Miller was to wrestle with Blackburn, of Eaglehawk, on the 23rd inst.

Arrangements lor another match be tween Edwards and O'Leary have fallen through.

Charles O. Breed, at Lynn, U.S., lifted a barrel weighing 2201b., with his right hand, 875 times in ten minutes!

The English twenty-miles professional bicycle championship was ran at Leicester on April 14, and was won by K. Howell in lh. SJsec,

W. P. Reeves headed tbe list of batting averages in the Lancaster Park Club this season, while Wilding waß the moat credit able bowler, with Frith next.

Mr Hodgman, of Tasmania, the other day bicycled 100 miles in lib. ■UKuiri. His stoppages amounted to 45min., so that big actual riding time was lib. 4min.

Melbourne Bob Edwards has offered to take lOsec. start from tiny Australian sculler, bar the Shark-Islander, over the champion course, for £200,

Charles liowell, who at one time was tbe pedeßtrian hero of two worlds, says he is anxious to run one more six-day race, roll up a record of 650 miles, and then retire.

George Seward, the pedestriau over whose alleged 100 yards in 9J seconds there has been so much controversy, died at Birken hcad, England, on April 10, in the 6Gth year of hi^ age,

Miller has signified his willingness to rr.Of.t Sullivan, the American champion, fur £1,000; ami will allow Sullivan liberal expenses to come to Australia. If the Vrufeßsor takes our advice, he will let well alone.

From AjUlbourue we learn that Mr A, It, Inglis has again won tbe Club Challenge Cap, the conditions being 21 bird-, 30yds rise. Eighteen were grassed. Should he win the next contest, the cup becomes bis property.

At a series of wrestling bouts in the Cum berland style, for the Wollongong Cham pion Belt, a kanaua named Jamie wrestled like a white man, and threw Robertson, one of the best lutteurs on the ground, best two ont of three.

If Laycock did the Trick-at home, can it not be said that in passing the Beach with a Rush he showed tbe wisdom of Solomon, and that the Messenger from the colonies Pearce-d the Power of the old country (■cullers, fairly Hearn-ing foi himself the approbation of Australia ?

Edwards, the pedestrian, states he is willing to give Kaynor, who baa lately been inundating the Melbourne papers with letters, a six-days' walk for £250, to come off within eight weeks after his O'Leary match, and he offers at once io put up £50. Raynor must now either make a match or " shut np."

William Cummings, the famous Scotch runner, who has the best record at a mile, 4m. 16 1-Sa., and a mile and a half, 6m. 43i5., on 7th April, at the fehawfield Recrea tion Grounds, Glasgow, Scotland, again attempted to lower Laing and Richards's joint record ot 4m. 1745. for a mile, bat failed, as it took 4m, 21s, to do the dis tance.

Myers, the American flyer, baa offered to run George, the Kngliah cbatnpion, three matches-at 1,000 yards, 1,200 yards, and three-quarters of a mile—between August 15 and September 30, at ihe new Manhat tan Athleilc Club Grouuda (N.Y.), the geneial management and arrangement of the three meetings to bo the same as at those of last year.

A 20-milo* Bwimming match for £200 took place at the Lambeth Baths, England, on 30th April, bet wee v W. Beckwitb, champion swimmer of England, and Matthew Webb, the "hero of tne Channel." Webb took ill in hig twelfth mile, and re tired, giving Btck>vith the match. The winner did ten miles in sh. 20m. 575,, twenty-nine minutes ahead of his rival. Webb is evidently bteaking up.

This ia certainly a wonderful age for sporting champions. Archer, Uanlan, aud Sullivan havi made more money than old time sports could have dreamt of in their wildest flights of imagination. The mana ger of Point of Pines, U.S., in speaking of Bhe llanlaa-Kcuoedy race—since won by the champion—stated that the successful rower would receive the largest sum of money ever awarded to au oarsman.

L. E. Myers, runuiDg from scratch, won the six-hundred-yards race at the handicap sports of the Manhattan A.C. (U.S.), April 21, in Imm 15 3-saec. The best English profemiuiul record is lmlu 13soc, by James iNuttal, aud the fastest amateur record in England is hu'o . 14 3-Bsec, by F. T. El borough, buj m t' ide uuder highly favour able conditus, while this was Myers's first race ofthe season. The latter's best time for theh.».'» "cc is lmin 11 2-ssec.

Therosulti? 01; le final heat of the scull ing competitiu • for the Champagne Cup was a surprise ITpe race was viewed by the general pblir' from the s.s. Glenelg, and by the Press from the Prince of Wales. The competitors got a fair start at the hands of Mr Cope, but as tbe steamer stopped to pick that gentleman up, the scullers were a long way ahead before way was again got on to the press-boat, Gaden jumped away with the lead ; but at Uht's Point, Brett had taken first position; Middle ton and Wulker (the only Victorian repre sentative) being about lerel. At the mile point, which was passed by Brett in Oinin. 45hec, he was leading Gaden by a length, Middieton close up, aad Walker three lengths away, evidently out-paced. Gaden then cracked, and Middlcton, passing him, drew up, challenged Brett, and, at Tenny son, took pride of place. Walker, at this point, fell out of the race. Thence to the finish wnat was apparently a great struggle took place between the two leaders, and Middlcton lauded by a bare balf-leogth one of tbe most exciting races ever rowed over the champion course, in 23min, 23sec. -upleudid time, considering the race was rowed on a flood tide.

How We Raised the Wind.

Whbn ray friend Cobb and I were out We«t we ran short of cash, and did not know how we were to get any more. Suddenly, as we laid in bed that night, ha said, "I know how we'll do it; wait till we reach the next town, and then I'll tell you.1' We paid our bill and rode on with only three dollars twenty-five cents left. Early the aext morning we reached the town. On oar arrival the first',thing Cobb did was to bay a large box, about 6 feet long, and three yardi of chain. These cost two dollars. He pawned Ins revolver for five dollars, and went to an inn to spend the time aad talk over onr plans. Cobb called for paper and began making out the following placard : — "Thb Guyas-Cutis.—A §avaee beast never before exhibited. Caught in the alii trict of 54*40. Has eleven red stripes on his body, and one round hit nose to make up the dozen. Has killed and eaten three Indians for one meal. Now on view. One night only. Admission, twenty-five cent?." This he got printed before nigbt. The next morning Cobb went out early, and while I was having breakfast the land lord peeped in and said, "Mr Van Amburgh was out early posting the bills." "Who?" said I. "Mr Van Amburgh, your partner," said he. '' Posting them him self I I asked, to hide my mistake. " Oh, no 1" said he, "he hired a boy." "Could I have a squint at him?" he HiiJ, nodding to the big box. "'Gainst laws laid down by Mr Van Amburgh." So out he went. Presently Cobb returned. " We'll have a full house to-night, old boy," said he. The evening came, and we took up our position in a public room we hired for the pur pose. We had no tickets, so the people paid their quarters and passed in. When the room was full I went up on to the stage. Behind the «:<;n<n was heard the growling of the " GuyaS'Cutis " and the rattling of tbe chain. The people began to get im patient. l: >owthen, old 54*40," cried one. "Go it, K. Polk." At this there was a roar of laughter. '■ Trot him out," yelled another. The growling became louder, and cries of '"Help ! Down, you brute, down I" from Cobb, i rushed to the door at the back of the stage, and as I went through it I looked over my shoulder and saw that the people had taken the alarm, and some were standing up pale and frightened. At this moment, out rushed CobD, breathless and covered with blood, shouting at the top of his voice, " Ladies and gentlemen ! fly for your lives 1 the Guyas Cutis is loose 1" In leas than a minute the room was cleared. "Well done, old fellow !" said I to Cobb. " You acted the Guyar-Cutis rarely I" That night we counted our re ceipts, C 5 dollars 75 cents. Next morning we paid our hotel bill, got back Cobb's re volver, and went on our way with heavier pockets. Ami that is how we raised the wind.

Shooting His Friend.

•The Fatal Mistake or a Youhg

BOSTONIAN. Chicago, April 30.—The "TribnneV Boston special says :—A. Ferlcy Fickett, of the firm of Fickett and Beal, wholesale dealers in teas, coffees, and spices, of this city, was shot and instantly killed by his partner, Albert U. Beat, jun., on the steamer Bristol early this morning. The partners left JBoston for New York on .Friday night to purchase goods, and especially to make arrangements for an A astern agency for some special lines of goods, and left for home on bunday night. According to Beat's account of the affair, he aad his partner occupied the same state-room, he having the upper and his friend the lower berth. As both men had considerable money and valuables with them, they felt some nervousness. The room was close, and Fickett desired the window lowered for ventilation, aud Beal objected, but the matter was com promised by lowering the window and fastening the blind. Heal felt insecure and woke up several times, and shortly after midnight he was startled by seeing that the blinds were partly open and between the opsning he could see the form of v man'a head. Calling out, 'Terley, Perley !" he received aa answer, which seemed to come from the berth beneath him, ami thinking a burglar was getting in, he seized his ro voiver from uuder his pillow and fired. There was a boavy thud on tin-, floor, and getting out of be>l and tunr'ng up the light, he was horrified at the sight uf his partner in the agony of death. It seems that I'ickelt had gotten up to get a breath of air, and Deal, suddenly awakening and mistaking the place from which the reply to his call came, made the horrible mistake of shooting his friend, Touching the eltctiic bell, a mcS'Uuger ap« peared, and soon several officers uf the boat were in the loons. It was found that the bullet had entered Fickett'a head through the left temple. lie lived about one hour and a half. JJeal immediately sur» rendered Liinself to Detective Lynch, who was, upon tbe boat, ami told a very straightforward story of the accident. Lynch came on to Boston this morning and inquired1 of UwineL, Hayward & Co., ia whose employ be had been fur ten years^ whether, from their experience with Beal, his word could be implicitly taken, and received a strong affirmative answer. Beal> who resides in Cbarlcstown, is 26 years old, married, without children, .fickett was 22 years, old and leaves a wife aad two children.

A Night of Terror.

DoRING the reign of Josoph 11,, the fcsxtou of St. Joseph's Cathedral at Vienna, being a man of extraordinary nerve and boldness, was accustomed to stand on the pinnacle of the tower whenever the emperor made a grtnd entrance into the city, and ware a flat? as the pageant passed by. When, however, Leopold 11., who had just been chosen emperor at Frankfort, was about to enter the city, the royal sexton, still anxious to be true to his old custom, bnt finding that years had told against his nerve, declared that any one who would take his place successfully should win his daughter. Gabriel Petersheim, who was disliked by the sexton, but beloved of the daughter, at once accepted the offer, to the disgust of the sexton, who then arranged with two villains to close the trapdoor of the upper stairway while Gabriel w«S above, thiukiog that, as the emperor was to enter toward evening, no one need be the wiser, and the lad must certainly fall before morning. The two accomplices did their foul work, and their intended victim, find ing his way down again blocked, was con fronted with the alternative of clinging to the slender spire through a, cold wintry night, with his feet resting on n. surface hardly ten inches in circumference, or of precipitating himself to the pave mcat at once, and thus ending the matter. Gabriel was a youth of firm will sod hardy constitution. He clung to the cold column till morning. But the story goes that when he was released his curlinp locks were white as snow, his wonted rosy cheeks yellow and wrinkled, and hia eyes, before so bright, now«unken aud dim, tine night of horror had placed him forty years nearer rchavigs.

A Difference of Opinion.

Pcofle who hold official positions should novcr fail to I 4 polite lest they catch a tartar unawares, if for no other reason. A tall, elderly, refined-looking centlenian recently wcot into a smell poßt-oincc in a rural region. He asked some questions re lative to the registering or a letter, and was very sharply, rudely, and unnecessarily saubbed by a young woman in attendance. He asked her if she thought that was a proper way to answer an inquiry in a public office.

Sbs said that she thought aha had been quite civil enough for him. He asked her, with an ominously in creasing mildness of manner, if she would favour him with her name.

She emphatically declined to do so. He then said he thought he would tell her his name, which, however, she declined to hear, saying his name wus no concern of her*.

He calmly replied he thought it waE, for he was the I'ost-nnster General!

The Tunnel under the Mersey.

THE railway tunnel under the Mersey, from Liverpool to Birkenhcad, is now beicg rapidly pushed on towards completion, the works, both on the Cheshire and on the Lancashire sides, beinc well under the lied of the river, where they are being carried through a stratum of r»ow lied Sandstone, of a very firm description, well adapted for tunnelling, and yielding but little water. The total length of the tunnel will bo about three miles, and the length of tbe sub aqueous portion three-quarters of a mile ; ami the work, as a whoto, will not only con nect the two towns of Liverpool and Birken head by local trains, so ns to do away with the inconveniences of the ferry boats now in use, but it will also permit tho passage of through trains belonging to the several railway companies of tho district, all of which will be able to obtain running powers over the underground line. Seven hundred men are now constantly employed on the works ; and it in expected that it will be possible to walk through the drain age headings, from one side to tho other, in the course of tho present year, uml that trains will be running through the main tunnel in about 18 months or two years. The excavations have been carried on, until lately by pick and sliovcl; but tii.'ee are now superseded by tbe Beaumont boiing machine, driven by compressed air, a con trivance which has been in uae on the French side of tbe Chunnel Tumid, '.iliis machine lias been found in practice to ac complish im advance ufa i|ii:irter of an inch per minute, or ten y irris in A2-l iiours ; and at this rate the work ia, for the future, cxpeeted to be carried on towards its com« I pletioD.

STAR SATURDAY SUPPLEMENT, JUNE 30, 1883.

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