TWO KEYS: OR Margaret Houghton's Heroism

By MKS GEORGIE SHELDON,

Author ot "Urownic's Triumph." "Tho For-

naken Bride." " Auilr.-iy'a ttcrainpouso,'* &o.

CHAPTER XLlll,

" CAN 1 UONI'KB WITH VOW IN I'iIIVATK V

Wfl kn the door opened, and Mr and Mrs Hou'ghttfn entered the telephone office, Margaret 6prahg forward to meet them <ivith a glad cry.

She seized her mothers hands, and Mrs Houghton saw that she wao trombling with nervous oxcitomont. " Oh, mamma, I am so glad you have come!" " What docs all this mean, Margie ?" Mrs Houghton askod, in a low tone, in clining her head toward the figures seated about tho table.

She had beon so anxious, her ausponee had been so intolerable, that she had neither oyos nor oars for anyone eavo her daughter when she entered.

At hor question, however, Margaret turned and mado a little gosturo toward a tigure standing by n window, wbilo a glad smile illumined her features.

" Louis !" whispered her mothor, a look almost of awo sof.tlinr; over hor face, while her heart leaped into her throat, as she roalieorf that ho wan alivo and thcro in her [>ro.«enco. His eyoe woro upon them, nnd ho nodded and emilcd at her ; ho could nut come to them at that moment, ns some ono ckiiniod his attention junt then. Mr Houghton nnd Mr Forest hud coon him tho moment tho door wan oponed, and they had stopped upon the threshold, struck tnotionlosa with astonishment : they could Bcircely credit tho ovidenco of their own eonEoa.

Mr Forest win tho first to recovor himself, and rushed forward, his bcnevolont faco all aglow, and seized tho young man's hand iv an almost vicolikq grip. " I havo just heard such dreadful news about you," he eaid; in a glad yet trembling voice, " and I can hardly believe, even now, that it is you whom I behold." *' It is I, nevertheless," Louis answered, returning his grip, " and I am very glad to sco you, Mr Forest, oven though I am not in vory good trim to meet anyone," with a rue ful glaDce at hia disordered attiro. Mr Houghton now joined them " Whore have you been all these weeks, Dunbar?—what does it all mean ?—I <-im completely dazed," he said, mechanically returning Louis's handshake. "ItisaloDg story, and I have no time to tell you : I havo, however, been rather badly used, and in a very critical situation ; I ahould not bo here even now but for the courage and energy of your own daughter," Louis responded,' bonding a fond, grateful look upon Margaret, who waa ap proaching with her mother. Louis grasped tbo trembling hand which Mrs Hougnton hold out to him. "It ißnotmy ghost," he said, lightly, and smiling, "this a good strong hand oven yet, dear Mra Houghton," and indeed he convinced hor of the truth of his assertion by a vigorous clasp. "What in the world hac Margie to do with your disappearance;" ejaculated Mr Houghton, astonishod at what he had eaid regarding his daughtor. "Nothing with my disappearance^ but everything for my reappearance," he answered.

" Toll us about it, young man—tell us thia extraordinary adventure," said Mr Forest abruptly, and with a nervousness that they all noticed. Louis coloured crimson. Ho had alwayß greatly admired Mrl orost, but he had been much disturbed upon sneing him enter tho room.

He felt extremely awkward now, it would be very hard to toll him that it was through the villany of his own nephew that all this trouble had been brought about. " Well, perhaps I may tell you something of it," ho said, aftor a moment of thought, and drawing them a littlo BBide and arranging seats for them, he gave them a brief outline of what had transpired during the weeks that ho had been missing. He avoided, however, mentioning the name of the mau that so wronged him ; he could not bear to do that with Mr Forest sitting there and regarding him ao earnestly. He believed that he waa fondly attached to his nephew, that he intended making him his heir, and, even though ho know that he must soon learn all tho bitter truth, ho Bhrank from being the first' to bring this heavy sorrow upon him. Tho man's eyes never loft his face during hia story—ho appeared to be completely absorbed in it—scarcely breathing as ho lis tened.

When ho camo to Margaret's agency in his releaeo, her fathor and mother wore astonished beyond measure. "Margie! bow did you happen to dis cover anything about this strango affair ? I cannot comprehend ! I " hegan Mr Houghton, aghast. "It ib a long story, papa," she in terrupted, adding, with evident embarrass ment, aa she glanced toward Mr Forest : " And I am afraid it will not be altogether a pleasant ono for you to hear, either." "Who was this man who assaulted^ you and stole the money ? did you know him ?" demanded Mr Forest, turning suddenly to Louis. "Yea, sir. well," ho answered, grrvoly, " and ns I have already told you; he was forced, at tho muzzln of the revolver that Miss Houghton brought me, to exchange place? with me ; they havo gone after him, he will be hero presently to answer for him self." " What is bin name, Louis ? do not keep ua in suspense," Eaid Mr Houghton uneasily, while a vague suspicion of the truth began to creep into his mind. " You will know very soon," Lonis re plied, evasively, then added, in a lower tone: " But, believe me, I bear the man no malice :he is young " " Young ? It is not your father, then ? cried Mrs Houghton, eagerly. She had been expecting every moment that he would mention him as the author of his trouble. " No," he returned, sadly ; "he is, as J. said, a young man ; i 5 might have been his first offence of this kind ; and if there ia any way by which we can hush up the matter and save his name from public shame, I shall do my utmost to accomplish it, and I entreat your cooperation also." "He should be made to 6uffer to the extent of the law, whoever he is," Mr Forest cried, indignantly. There came the sound of footsteps at this moment in tho outer room. Margaret started, growing pale, while uhe glanced nervously at Mr Forest. Louis coloured painfully and looked greatly disturbed, while every ono else l 0°"" e TheyP 3 ere bringing him. I-MrForest, I wish you might have been spared this, Louis stammered, laying his hand with a touch of sympathy upon that gentleman s shoulder. , , , Before be could respond, or. indeed, com prehend the meaning of the kindly words, the door was thrown open, ana Arthur Aspinwall was led into the room between two men. , , One glance a round the apartment revealed every face in it to tho wretched young man, while as he met his uncle'a stern, fixed gaze, he staggered as if from a blow, and, in a low tone, muttered something to him- They placed a chair for him, and he eank into it, dropping his head upon his breast. Mr Forest sprang to his feet, hesitated an instant, and then eat down again, hia face now as pale as hia nephew's. Then there followed a lengthy examina tion of the case, and a discussion upon all its points. . . The directors insisted upon beginning all over again ; there seemed oven yet to be a dim suspicion in the minds of some that Louis might in some way have been in league with Arthur. Louis began the story, relating all that had occurred up to the time of Margaret 8 appearance in hia place of confinement. She waß then requested to relate minutely her proceedings, which ehe did, in a clear, straightforward manner. When she had concluded, she drew her purse from her pocket and took irom it something wrapped in tissue paper. Rising, ehewalkedwithgrace and dignity, to the cashier's desk, and laid it down be fore one of the director*-

" This>" she said, " is the diamond which I found among the folds of the draperies in our parlour, behind the tete-a-tete I havo mentioned, and whoro I believed Mr Aspinwall was concealed during the inter view that I had with Mr Dunbar on the evening of his disappearance! and of the robbery.'1 The gentleman unfolded the paper, and there rolled out into hia hand a pure white stone, liko a great drop of dew. "This is all I have to toll," Margaret went on, as she resumed her seat, " unless I bear testimony to the fact of Mr Dunbar'e discovery of the gold, which was concealed

lin a secret closet—whi?h anyone may see —bohind r, panel of tho wainecotini» in the

room adjoining the one in which he was confined," Arthur was then asked if he had anything to pay in hia own defenca. "Nothing," ho replied in a hollow tone, but without lifting his bowed head. " Is the story to which we have just been listening a true one ?" "Yes." This avowal caused considerable excito ment for a moment. Louis was exonerated at last—no taint would henceforth rest upon his character. But after the first sigh of relief he sprang again to his foet, an anxious look upon his fine face. "My friends," ho began, "the ac knowldgoment just made by Mr Aspinwall, of course, removes all doubt from your mindp, and you look upon me as an honest man again. But while I desiro to have my good narao vindicated and to stand clear in tho eyes of the world, I wish to pload for your iudulgonco toward Mr Aspinwall. I havo told you before that he has beon

labouring under peculiar difficulties, and that (ho temptation was al?o a peculiar one. Think of him, if you please, as being hurlod from a'Huence to almost a state of

beggary ; it, would havo boon such, but for the timely oppoaranco and kind ness of a friond. I havo known him all my life ; he is one of my own countrymen, and aa such J do not wish him disgracod. I know his mothor, v lovely, Christian woman, who epont tho bost of hor lifo in trying to mako her boy a truo and noble man ; for hor sako I plead for him. For ray own sake, also, I plead for this affair, and yot I do not wish to appear against him in public. 1 cannot bear tho thought that my evidence would convict him of a groat crimo and doom him to an ignominious punishment, nnd I ask, as a personal favour, that you will suspend all procoedinga ngainst him ; requiring, of course, some pledge from him as to his future lifo "

"It is impossible! it is impossible!" cried tho directors, looking indignant and excited ovor such an astounding, almost absurd request ; whilo Arthur himself seemed to havo forgotten for the moment hia own situation, a"d regarded him with amazement. "Listen, please/'Louispursucd, earnestly, "your money has been all restored to you, excepting perhapa eight hundred or a thousand francs, and that, with tho interest on tho wholo, I have promised chill be re placed ; yon have therefore nothing to gain or lose by prosecuting the case further Besides this, you will entail upon mo and my friends vory unpleasant rosults by so do ing. If the matter goes into the courta it will place Miaa Houghton, who, I may as well inform you, is my promised wife, in an extremely disagreeable position ; she shrink? from becoming so conspicuous —from having her name emblazoned upon bulletin I boards and aown broadcaet over the land in the newspapers ; and if / can consent to overlook tho wrong done to mv-»olf—the danger, suffering, and unjust suspicions —cannot you concede this much to ma '!"

" Bat he is a criminal. Who knows what ho will do next, if he ia let !oo?e ? ho should be confined—should be put where he can do no further harm to anyone," was tho unfavourable response

" You can require him to leave your country, plodging himself novor to return under penalty of arrest," urged Lou in.

"Monsieur Duobar does not think of himself at all. How can ho stand clear, how can all suspicion bo removed from him unless the facts of tho affair are made public?1' gravely asked one gentleman. it somehow ; only I beg you grant me this one request. I wish no reward, you have offered a largo sum . but I will relinquish all claim to it if you will gratify mo in this."

Louis pleaded so earnestly and heartily that tho stern faces around him began to relent.

" What ia he to you J" someone asked, suddenly, and regarding him curioualy.

"My countryman, and tho comrade of my boyhood," tho young man answered, gravely. Arthur cringed beneath tho words as if someono had struck him with a lash. The comrade of hia boyhood ! It wae a coal of firo that A-ould oat and burn into hia soul as long aa he lived.

"That ia all? you havo no motive savo that of friendliness and the dotdro to do a kind act?" qnofltioned tho eamo gentle-

"That is all," Louia returned, earnestly, "unless it is tho hope that this oxperienco may prove the turning pcint in hia life and ho may bo led to strive for tho honourablo manhood that was tho hope and prayer of hia uiothor "

He glanced involuntarily toward Arthur ac ho concluded, and ho wan sure ho saw a tear roll down his haggard chock.

Mr Forest now rose and advanced toward the directors.

" Gentlemen," he anid, in » hu°ky, un steady voice, " I am the friend of whom Mr jjunbar has spoken to you. I am obliged to confesa that yonder unfortunate offender is my own nephew ; his mother was my sister, consequently I havo a deep personal interest in him. Can I confer with you in private for a littlo while I

CHAPTER XLIV.

JIK FORESTS STORY

Mr Forest's statement was racoived with some surprise but his request for a private interview was granted, nnd he withdrew with the director? to another room, wbero he was closeted with them for a long while.

When ho returned hia face was white and ajjitated, and thero wero traces of tears upon his cheeks, while his companions ap peared to Ue moved and softenud also Whatever arguments he had used in Arthur's behalf it was plainly to be Been they had been effectual, and that the gentle men had consented to drop everything just where it was. "Arthur," Mr Forest said, addressing his nephew, "the?e gentlemen whom you have so wronged have at last consented to stay their proceedings and allow you to go free." He was interrupted by a groan, while Arthur saDk back in his chair overcome by the reaction.

" But upon one condition," his uncle con tinued, " that you leave the country.never to return. I have given bonds and a pledge that you shall leave within three days. If you do not I forfeit a large amount and you will be liable to arrest. But that will give you ample time to settle eveiything, and now we will return to our lodgings, where I shall have something further of impor tance to say to you." "Is this true?" Arthur Aspinwall asked in a hollow voice, lifting his haggard face and glancing incredulously about him.

Every eyo that he met was full of pity ; not one in the room appeared to regard him with anything of malice or vindictive nesa.

"Yes, it ia true," replied his uncle. The young man struggled to his feet. For a moment he stood irresolute, then ho said, hoarsely : " I confess I did not expect this -1 know Ido not deserve it; while, as for you." turning his blood-shot eyes upon Louis, "you hiivo taken the most effectual revenge that you could have conceived. I did not believe you when you told me that you would use your influence for me. I suppose what you have done would be oalled ' coals of fire.' .They are such to me. and they will burn as long aa 1 livo. I thank you, gontlemon," he added, turning to the directors, "for your clemency. El wish I migbt in Eome way show my appreciation of this unmerited favour. Uncle Albeit, I am ready cow." Mr Forest spoke a few words in a low tone to Mr Houghton, tbon taking hia nephew by the arm he led him from the room, for he was groping bi-i way as if he had been suddenly stricken with blindness

Outside the building they found waiting the carriage that bad brought Arthur there. Entering thip, they were driven rapidly back to Mr ForestV lodgings. Lonis and his friends remained afc the office some little while loncer, during which it 15-H9 arranged tint a notice ehoald app?ar in tho Paria papers, as soon aa Arthur should have left the city, staging aomethicg of tho particulars of the robbery and Louis's imprisonment, and that the real rogue, finding himself upon the verge of arrest, had reßtorod tho mineiog money.^and then left for parts unknown. Thus Louis's innocence

would be establiehed, ho would be reßtorcd to hia former position of honour and trust, and tho affair, after the usual nino days of wonder, would gradually be forgotten. This matter being settled, Louis arranged for the release of his father ; then thanking the directors for their kindness, he and hie friends withdrew.

When they wero seated in the carriage, Mr Houghton informed them that Mr Forest had requested them to drive directly to hia rooms as soon a 8 they were at liberty, tia he had something of vital impoitance upon which he wished to confer with thorn. Arriving at hia lodgings, Mr Forest himself mat them at the door and con ducted them at onco to his rooms.

Arthur was nowhere visible, but they could 'iear him moving about iv bip own chamber, prepa in,, no doubt,for bis departure. Mr Forest invited his guests to be seated, paying that he had an important revelation which he wished to make before his nephow left, and ho had decided to go immediately, leaving bill to settle his bills and eomo othor little business.

He then stepped to the door and called Arthur. He came in, looking pale and de jected, and sank into the nearest seat. Mr Forest then wont to a travelling bag that stood upon the table, and, taking something from it, walked directly to Louis.

Ho was very much agitated : his hands Bhook, his lips twitched, ai,d everyone re garded him with astonishment. Then came tho startling question :

" My son, can you ever be persuaded to give me, Ike name of 'father ." " His voice shook liko a very old man's as ho put the query. "Mr Forest! Son ! Ido not undoretand you !" Louis criod, starting to hip foet and staring at tho man as if ho thought him in eano.

Ho smiled sadly, and rubbed his forohocd with his hand.

"1 do not wonder," ho returned, apolo getically. ' I'm a sorry blunderer ; 1 did not moan to blurt it out in any such way ; but you arc my tun, nevertheless." "How can that bo 7" Louis oakod, vory pale and trembling visibly. "My faihor, Louis Murray, is at thin moment lying a " Louie .Murray if not your fathor," as- Kortci Mr Forest, a ring of impatiouco in his voice.

" But ho proved it -ho producod a certili cato of marriage- with my mother ; ovory thing ho paid went to show that ho wai my Father," Louis objected, but growing moro and more excited.

" That waa all n docoptioti, my boy ; a plot, evidently, to furthor purpoaonjof liih own In tho first place tho man's nniuo is not Louis Murray at nil ; ho only took that name because a Louis Murray and an Annie Burgees had boon married on tho dato cor responding with that engraven upon your mother's *edding-ring. His leal namo is John Hicks!" J ,ouia looked bowildered. "Sit down," continuod Mr Forest, "and let mo tell you all about it. I hay* done n (rood deal of travelling and hard work during the last few week?. I havo boon to America—"

"To America!" exchimed tho Hough tons, astonished.

" Yo*. I was almost convinced beforo I left that Louie was my son. 1 had Boon tho ring he wears, and—there were other proofs of which I will speak lator. Ar I Bald, I went to America. I found Mr Allon, your lawyer friend, and learned your v/hole story, and after tolling him mino and my suspicion, ho bont all his enerqio* to aid mo in finding tho proofs I desired. I found Mary Jones, too, and felt more than ever convinced, aftor talking with her, that tho delicate woman who died in hor house wan my wife. " But all doubts regarding your connoc tion with tho man Murray wero removed when wo found his accomplice, Black, and ho betrayed tho wholo plor. to us. Murray, or Hicks, bad played him false- gotting possession of a sum of money bolonginfr to them both, and disappearing very mysteri ously-that was probably when he caino hero to Paris.

" Black was so aoro orct it that he was willing to tell us everything. He slid thoro wero a gang of thorn leagued together in tho gambling businoas j they hnd epottod you—thought you an unusually smart and promiainir fellow, and laid the plot to got you into their power and make you usoful in their business. Hicks had found out aomo thingß regarding your history, worm ing n good deal out of Mary Jones, and had overheard a conversation between you and farmer Brown in Mr Allen's ollico one uoy, and then h'intod tbo city regietora ovor for eomo ono named Annie who had boon mar riod the same date as your mother. Tho rest, was oasv enough—to forgo a certilicate, and, with tho facta thoy had gathered, togethor with what thoy invontod, claim you aa Murray's son."

"Well," Louis observed, with a doop sigh, as if a hoivy load had suddenly boon rsmovod from his heart, " I can now account for tho fcoling of avornion that 1 always entertained for that man, mid which I have always blamed myself for na boing fo unnatural."

"And how have you boon improved by me?" Mr Forest asked, turning towards him with a wistful look.

" 1 hnvo been drawn to word you from tlio first, sir ; but 1 cannot realise that it is my good fortune to really belong to you," Louis nnsworod, with emotion, us bo stretched out his hand to him. The man grasped it warmly, nnd for a moment could not speak. " Do you roinotnbor tho evoning you showed me tho ring you vroar '.'" he asked at lcn[»th. " Perfectly ; and 1 recall now something strance in your manner upon reading tho date upon the xnpide " You also told mo something about a volume of Tennyson's poom, and ft verso written upon the flyleaf, and signed ' A.,' " pursued Mr Forest, " Yo.», sir." " Can you ropeat thoeo lines ?" Louia immediately recited those simple words, nnd was surprised to see the tears btart into the eyes of his companion.

" [ gave that littlo book of poems to your mothor; I wrote those lines ou a blank leaf," ho eaid. " Your mothor'n mniiloD name was Annie Dunbar; she was my idolised wife, and we had agreed that if wo O"er should be so fortunato as to have n eon wo would call him Louia Dunbar Forest."

" Can it bo poesiblo ? " oxclaimed Mr Houghton. " What a history you havo, Louie I"

Arthur Aspinall turned toward the croup, and looking holpleasly into Louis's face, said : ' I have known it for a long time." "You!" cried his uncle, sharply; "how did you know it 1" "It is no matter how ; but I did,'' he re plied, dropping his head upon his breast again. " There ia only one way in which you could havo found it out," retorted Mr Forest; " and if you have resorted to such moans to gain your knowledge, you are more of a knavo and burglar than I havo yet beJieved you. Confess now—you have been overhauling my chest; ycu have found my wife's picture, you recognised Louis's re- Bemblanco to it, and you have seen our marriage certificate." " I have seen them—yea."

" Humph ! that, perhaps, was another reanon why you wanted to get this young man out of your path ; you knew if I dis covered hia relationship to me, your chances of bocoming my hoir were extremely small. You have played your cards pretty well, Arthur ; but it was all in a wrong cause. If you had been honest and manly, and lent us your aid, you might, even now, have shared with Louis.

" Let me tell my Btory," Mr Forest re sumed, leaning back in hia chair beside Louis and laying his hand fondly upon his shoulder. " When I was a young man about your ago I was ratmning upon a cortain occasion frum New York to Boston with my mother. We went by boat, for Bhe could not endure the fatigue of travel ling by rail, and we wero jußt about to land, when I mot with an adventure. Tho tickets were being collected ; I had just given up mine and was passing dowD stairs nfter my mother, when my attention was attracted by some little excitement behind me. The officer collecting tickets was talk ing in a loud, irritated voica to somo ono, and a crowd waa rupidly gathering about him. I went back a step or two, my curoaity aroueod, and heard a timid voice declare: "'lndeed, sir, I purchased a ticket and put it safely into my pocket-book, but that and all my money have been stolen.' "'That is an old and worn-out story, mies ; it has been tried altogether too often, aDd it won't go don-a with me,' retorted the mon. sarcastically.

" 'But it is true, sir. in this case.'per (■i^ted the ether voice, with a sort of culta ditrnity that imprefssd ras. I put: m curse under my pillow, ar d when I awoke this morning it was gone.' " Have you any baggage ?' demanded the officer, in a hard tone.

"'Nothing bit this, and a very email trunk containing what little clothing I

have,' and she held up a small hand eatclol, and, upon opening it, as he rcquosled her to do, £ saw it contained only a tow articles of loilot, some handkerchiefs, etc.

"I had managed to get noarer by this time, and I saw a young girl of peibipa seventeen. Sho was the loveliest croaturo I had ever eeon. Her face was a poelect oval; her complexion a delicate pink and white. She had dark brown hair, which fell over her shapely forehtad in bewitching waves, and she had large, dark, liquid 050?, the expression of which might havo softoned a heart of stono. Hor mouth was email, her lips intensely rod, though now they wero trembling with anxiety and nervous ness.

" Have you any frionds with you !" the man asked hor.

'" No.sir ; I am travelling alone,' sho re turned, dropping hor lovely oyos, and colouring elightly, " ' Hump 1' was tho response to this, but the man's eyes wore fastened upon her with a lool'; that made ma long to strike him to the flxir, while ho soeined to be considering some question. '• Suddenly his manner cbangod.

" ' Well, well,' he said, insinuatingly, 'I guess wg can manage it for you ; go over yonder and sit down until I got through here^'then I will attend to your ca=o.J '"1 advanced boldly to her side, as he Baid this, and remarked, abruptly : "'The lady need not bo detained or troubled further about tho loss ; it is a very easy matter to pay the fare over again.' "I turned to hor, handing hor my card, and askod :

" ' Will you allow mo to do this for you ; Then my mothor, who is travelling with mo, will bo glad to loud you hor pro toction and any other aid that you may lood during tho romaindor of your journey, that ia if you are going on to Boston.'

"Sho glancod from tho curd into my fnco, such a grateful, lolioved look out of hor magnificent eye,-., that I loat my hourl to hor on tho spot, " ' You aro very kind, Mr Kortwl,1 f?ho 8.-iid with graceful dignity, ' and I aecopt, with thanks, your tiiLoly offer.' " Tho ollicor gavo mo an ugly look us I took out my purte and paid hor faro ; but, take ftT'anof thon I walked away with the beautiful girl on my arm, foaling as il I had rescued i\ lamb frum tho jaws of n wolf. I lod hor directly to ujy mother, to whom I introduced her, she having tuld mo her name waa Misa Dunbar, and explained to her tho circumstances of our meeting. Sho gladly befriended her, and wai soon deeply interested in hor, whilo tlio girl, givng her confidence at nm;u, told hor souiothing of hor hintory. I lor mothor, i-ho said, had died whon e>ho was very young-bo young that sho scarcoly romombo ed hor. Her father was a Scotchman, a man of literary tastes and habits, and having applied him self too clo=oly to Ilia studies impaired his health, and diod only two years provious. She liad no relatives to eiro for her, so sho had cast hor lot with some good pooplo who wero coming to 'iir country, bolioving thnt Amorica was a land of golj and plenty, and thoy would soon make an indopor.dont fortune thero. Of course they woi 0 bittorly disappointed, and after a year of weary toil, during which they they had not ceased to bewail evor having loft, thrir own ' Bonnio Scotland,' they returned to their old homo, promising themsolvos nevor to wander again." (To be Continual )

The Science of Drinking

ACCOKDINH to a rooont report by tho Hon. Goorgo C. Tannor, United States Consul at Cboirmitz, Germany, tho citizens of this country have as yoc no adoquato idea of tho scionco of drinking. Ho gives tho total bour production of tho Go-man ompiro for tho year ISS."> at 1,100,000,000, or otto bil lion ono hundred million* of gallons, and i>( winos and other alcoholic liquor*, nine hun dred millions of Rnllong, making total of two thousand millions of gallons. This, tho consul stato?, was tho actual consump tion in tho empire, as the ioinortations aro equal to the exportations. Tho aggrogato production for Germany ho gives at 40 Billion a year per capita, oetimation tho population 50 millions. Ho pives tho consumption in this country at 10 gallons per capital Consul Tanner further Kaye:-"1 h;ivo given this subject careful attention, unri have stated the ontiro boor production of Germany, including AlacoLorraino, and am sure of t'.'O accuracy of nty Mguros. Oho oan, then, form some idoa of tho enormous quantity of boer produced, when it would form a lako nioro than ono milo square and Gfc feet deep, or it, would make a running stream aH largo as some of our rivers. This is only baking into account ono itom in tfco economy of drinking in Germany. Winos and all kinds of spirit uous liquors aro fn oly ured ; winoa to a much greater extent than stronger liquor*. It may be safely staled that tho cmiMimp tion of all intoxicants In this empire would reach noarly two billions of ga!lonH per annum. This bo:nf tho caae, somo faint conception of tho onormous drinking capacity of tho Gormans can bo found. Tho hop', barely, rye, potatoo", and other in"rodionts thatontcr into tho niiinufuctino-i ofdiis onormous quantity of liquors would ho more than two billions of pound*, ami would form a prood-pizßil mountain if planed in otic heap. Beor in tho nation beverage, and ig used as such, i' not to a groa'er extent than water, thorn assuredly equally so. Wine* aro used by tho wealthier clns.->eH iit males, and very extensively uted ; but boor is never abpent from a Gorman tablo of tho rich or poor, and it is a decided favourite with all truo Germans. Sineo my arrival in Goamiri I have to poo tho first glow of wator drunk. Boor miH bo furnished eorrantn for their repasos. I have puon childron hardly wonr.ed given beer without any apparent bad effect. 7 . . Scienco may bo carried into overy tiling. Tho science of drinking h»n been known and practi?ed in Europo forager, and this is a scienco, simple m it may appear, when compared with tho blind, irrational, and suicidal manner of drinking in (ho United Statos. This pcienco consists simply in tho tordinOßß of drinking. All drinka are taken sip by sip, v half or three quarters of an hour boiuj; consumed for a g'ass of beor. This is co titnplo iliat ono is liablo to ridiculo for laying stress upon it, and yet ou this ono point hinges, in my opinion, a question of viwt impo tance to Amoricans. Uy this manner of drinking, tho blood is aroused to a greater activity iv so gradual a manner that there is no violent derangement of tho animal economy. By slow drinking Hie German accomplishes the object of drinking, and givos his nninial ec onomy a chance to say, 'Hold, enough I 1 which only slow drinking will do. ... Woman, unquestionably carries a purifying influence with her whorever she goee, and her preeonce in tho drinking places of Europe drives from them that class of low vagabonds that hang around Ameri can drinking places. Hence, one never eoes a drunken man in a cafe, and rarely oven on tho street. Perhaps no better possible illus tration of tho purifying influences of woman could bo found. Cafes aro open to all classes, but the lower classes seldom vmt them ; they would be abashed by doing so as much as they would by entering a parlour where t.hny would moet refinement and elegant mannors. There are eomß ox ceptions to this rule in the largor cities, but this is confined to cafes that are well known, and ladies avoid them ; there are no drinking places in Germany but what a lady may enter with all propriety. Drunkenness is rare, and if co, it rarely manifests itself in a boieterious or belligerent manner, but more frequently takes the shape of song, fun, and a general pleasurable feoliog of warmth, energy, and self command and honco those horrid crimes that sometimes Bhock us in tho United States are rarely hoard of hero. Then, why shouldthereexist e uch a difl'erenceintheevils of driDking in Europe and in the U-iitd States ? It Sa manifestly tho result of tho manner of drink'ng in vogue in tho two hemi fpheres." Somo curious inferences might be drawn from Consul Tanner's report. Figuratively regarded, the time wasted by the Germans in swilling beer at half or three quarters of an hour per glass muat be enormous ; but then it is alleged to save them from intoxication. Can it Da true the trouble of the Americans U they do not drink enough, and if they would only follow tho German science in the mattor, namely, quadruple their drinks and sit longer ovor their cups, they would, like the Teutons, became a quiet, sober, and happy people ?

la typhoid fever infectious ? On thia sub ject an M.D. of Edinburgh writes as followsl " Typhoid is not infectious. One fact is worth a thousand arguments. In the pick children's hospital, Edinburgh, typhoid cases ara at present treated in the general wards— »■•!-» " typhoid case may be next bed to a child with a broken arm, etc. The came rule beld good in the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary until a few years ago, when thsy got v special fever hospital." " Pa," eaid a young hopeful, " I knew what a man who has seen better days ie," " Well my son, what is he ?" " He's a man who makes you tired talking about himself."

A Boycotted Baby.

AoKNOIKS which shape our lives olton begin their work long beforo we oursolvos appear on tho scene. Even co the lifo of this baby wa?,affdctcd by what took place two year? before his birth. In tho wiutor of ISS—a body of tenantry in ouo of the southern counties of Ireland appeared boforo thoir landlord and domanded a reduction of ront all round. Tho landlord rofusod to yield to

organised menace, but at tho samo time ofTored to consider each caso on its meritß, and grant a generouß abatement where tho tenant was badly off. The poorer men were ready to aecopt this odor; but the richer onea, the loodor ot tho Land League in tho parish, rejected it, and bado no ono pay any ront at all. Tho tonanfs turned to go, having made a virtual de claration of war. As they moved away from the house, however, argument waxed hot and voices rose loud among them Finally, a tall gaunt form detached itself from the main body, and James Doonegan was Been walking resolutely back to the house. " I'm come wid mo rint," said he to his landlord. "I've got it ready in me pocket, and I'll pay me honost debt, for all them. But I hope yell stan' by mo, eorr, an'soe ma safely through." The response wag tin instant pledge to do so, and the two men shook hands upon a frioncUhip which had bo t n their support through a hard and weary whilo.

Thin waa tho lirst of James Doonegan's off ending. About twelve months, later, a man who hud n couple of gru/.ingtieldp, upon which ho speculated in sbeop, refused to pay hi* rout - which was eirmo yoars in iirroar—unices a largo reduction wero granted to him. Ho was notoriously woll nbl« to pay tho ront; but ho waa tho light-hand man of tho local Land League chief, and so, strong in thopiomiso of Land Loaguo support, ho rcsolvod to stand by his refusal. On tho othor hand, tho land lord, who hannover evicted a poor man, folt hound to accept the challongo and turn him out. That in to turn him out tech nically. Tho grazier should not bo turned out of his homo, sinco ho did not livo on tho land : ho dwolt undor tho roof of Mb employer, the Land Loaguo chiof aforo said.

In tho fulness of time and of legal pro ceedings tho grazier wasovictod. Immedi ately tho fiat of tho Leaguo wont forth that the land should bo boycotted. No 0110 was to r:iko it, tho fences wuro to bo pullad down, ami cattlo wore '0 roam ovor the Holds in if tho land wore a common. Then came .Imnox Doonogan to his landlord, say ing, "That bit o' land o.John Drover's just iits in wid 1110 own farm, an' I'll tako the fields nn' bo thankful to you if yo'll give 'em to 1110 " Tho astonished landlord warned him that if ho took tho land ho would bo boycottod "as sure as thoro is n sun in tho sky." " I Knows that well onouuh," ropiicd Doono gan, looking at his broad, bony hands. " Forhaps thoy won't stop at boycotting, oithor," suggested tho landlord. "Oh, I don't think ns they'll bo after doing any thing very fevcro ncin' mo," was tho reply.

"Stand liy mo, and I'll toko tho land." Tho bargain wan -nado, and this was tho second offending of Jumen Docnegnn, Ho waa in frtuntly boycotted. I'ie nnmo was published in tho weekly " Black l.int," and from that day ho was shunned by ovorybody about him as if ho had a plague

But no, thoro waa ono person who still treated him with Christian fnondlinoss; und this was porhaps tho ono least likoly to do it. It was no othor than old Mm Drover, tho mothor of tho evicted grazier, whoso land Doonpgan wan punished for taking. She lived in a little cottago elope by, and was at this juncturo in flourishing circum staaces. In hor character of mothor of an evicted man she was valuablo fir politica pirpo'oß Tho Land League dubbed hor "a victim," patriots declaimed about hor wrongs, and tho poor law guurdians voted hor £1 a week out-door relief. Sho wan noirly SO yours of age, and had bcon in ro coipt of :!s por wcok for ramo yoam past. But whon hor son was evicted uho got 17a moro ; and this, although her fon had not contributed anything towards her support for years. Moroovor, she was givon some ligjhfc work liy a neighbouring; Lnnd I-.euguo potentate, for which sho »na woll paid.

Tho day was now very noar at hand r/hon tho b'lby, tho horo of my «tory. was ex peeled to make hia nppi'aranro. Alter somo dillieulty, Mr Dooncgaa had socured (ho corvicca of tho local midvvifo. At (iret thin worthy per.'on rofuscd (o attend tho boy cotted woman ; fo Doonegan consulted his landlord, who immediately diked of a woll known association whethor it could supply emergency women as well as omorgoncy men. " Certainly," replied tho woll known association. No*-, whon tho parish mid wife heard of this, eho took counsel with herself, and oduioJ to attend Mra Doonogan for tho customary-fee.

Oiio Htormy night in Novomber Mrs Dooncgan win Inkon ill, rind hor husband wont in *o,irch of tho midwife In vain did ho hammer at tho door, nnd in tho namo of all tlio -uints implore tho woman to romom her hor promiao and como to his t-uli'oring wifo. Not v poul in tho house would an hwor to Ma summons ; nnd Ooonogan Ihon learned to hi* yorrovv that tho 1 nnpio '.van unwcnipulnus enough to boycott

n woman in tho pangs of childbirth, and that womon could ho found lo obey Iho ilccron. Ho returned homo in holploss anger und anxiety, not knowing what lo do : fill tho doctor lived railed «({. Hif> poor uifo liad an idea. "Co nnd ask Mrs Drover fur to corao," p)io said: "Mrs ttrovor '11 conio to uio, in spito o' thim Liguprs." This was tho mother of tho evicted man, tho victim of thn natrict pint form, tho pet pauper of (ho poor-law truardianp. Nevertheless, old Mrs Urovnr went to her neighbour's apsistnnco, and in tho Hinall hours of tho morning a boycotted b div was ushorod into this disjointed world of ours.

Tho mows form sproad abroad. Mrs Drovora no locs, had beon midwife to a boycotted woman. Tho Nationalist poten tate iJinniifsed hor from his employment with contumely : such as sho was not fit to tend hia patriotic poultry and food his Col ticswine. Tho incensed'poor-law guardians instantly stopped hor outdoor relief. Not only did they stop tho 17<i which thoy had granted to her in her clnractrrof " victim," but they UkowK-e cut off tho 3a a weok that for years the had received in tho character of an a^od itnij ii'ifirm woman. Her blnod, chilled by eighty years of a hard lifo, boiled with anger ; and she wns heard to say of theso gand guardians, " Ie it divils intirolv they aro, wid their Lague* and Branches?"

The landlord and his wifo paid frequent vinits to tho lonely cottage, bringing com fort to tbo parents and woollon pooler for th.6 boycottod toes of the new-horn child. The hand of the League pressed hard upon tho Httlo family ; but thoy wore supported by friendly aid from several Eourcos, so that at length it, appeared to tho rulors of tho Land League that Dooncgun did not Buffer keenly enough undor his punishment, and more vigorous measures wero adoptod. One evening, us the Httlo family wore seated around tho hearth, the baby asleep in its cot, a euddoo crash of noise seemed to en gulf them. " The chimney's fallin'," cried Mrs Doonogan, springing up in alarm. " Keep still," said her husband. " It's worse nor that, Botty ; it's a Bhot." Through nil that night the wretched tamily cowered in misery awaiting what next might happen. So shuttered wero Dooue gan's nervos by these hours of terrified watching that next morning, when he c;irne down to the Big House to tell tho master, ho trembled co much that he could scarcely make himself undoretood. IS'or need wo wondor at that Think of it ! A man unarmed, sitting with his wifo and four little ones in hi* cottage, his door without a lock, his window without a shutter, awaiting assassinatijn for others besides himself, perhaps. The police came, took the buckshot frotnouttho rafters and thatch, inspected tho place, reported tho outrage, and mado no arrests. An iron hut next made its appearanco, and the tiny kitchen wfta often enlivened by tho presence of tho men quartered thorn on protection duty.

Tho winter wore on ; the boycotted baby fhrove satisfactorily ; it gurelod at tho flash of tho policemen's bayonets, and stretched its aimless finpors towards tho attractive brightness of their riflo3. When ploughinp camo Doonegan was perplexed. Whero should he hire a eocond plough horse, or where, supposing be had two horses, should he turn for a man to lead tho toam ? In the dilemma he appeared to his friend the landlord, who not ouly gavo him one of bis own horses, butdrove thejtenm for him. Doonegan ploughed all day, nd his landlord led tho horses up and down the furrows until the field was dono. While thoy worked two armed police stood at the end of the furrow, lest some patriot or other should 6re at them a= they turned to plough on the headland. Ths Doonnjjans rjassed 'afelv tbroiijili the summer and the winter. Our hovcottfid baby, n person nn«e of widfi reputation, hurt roached tho "(.'o of e-iaritopii nnnths-a little toddlinp mito who had never seen any faces except t.hoso of its parents, the constabulary, Mrs Drover, and the landlord's family. To him tho world was all but uninhabited, and yet many neighbours dwelt near by.

It chanced that about this time the land lord went away to England, for a couple of months. Tho baby aoon after fell ill of dysentery, aggravated, it was believed, by an unsuitable diet < f yellow meal. Ii waa of grave importance that tho child should got white bread, and. that immedi ately ; but the master waa away, and the markot-cart of tho big house no longer mado its weekly trip to bring provisions from the town of X . In his distress Doonogan applied to the shops in the neighbourhood. Would thoy givo him broad? Not for himnelf—ho did not ask that—but for his child. In the name of God, would they let him have a loaf of bread for his sick baby? No one would soil him or givo him a crnmb ; he was boycotted, he and his wife and child ren. A faw loaves wore obtained irvo gularly from tho police and other friend? at a distance, but the supply fell.short and the child sickenod again and died. The farther went to a distant town for the tiny coilin. Not a soul came to the wake, nor was there a neighbour to bear a hand at the funeral. So the sorrowing man walked down from his mountain homo, two miles and a half to tho chapel, carrying, all alone, tho sad burden of his baby's little corpse, No ono would dig its grave in the burying gronnd. where if in any oarthly spot there might bo peace. The father himself dug the grave, and with his kind-hearted priost standing beside him, threw in tho earth and raised up the graes-covered mound over hia child.

And hore ends tho story of an innocent baby who was boycotted before his birth, bnycottod out of this life, and boycotted after death in tho chilly eafety of tho gravo. But porhaps it may bo supposed that this little historiotto is an invention. That, however, it in not; neither is it merely "founded on fact." It is strictly true in every particular, this utory of tho unfortu nato little Doonogan. — " St. James's Gazette."

Eighty-five Years of Irish History, 1800-1885.

A Queer Election.

(13vr W. J. O'Nkim. Daunt.)

TIIKRK was 1111 election for tho borough of Downpatriok. Tho contoat wns expected to bo vory closo. Ono of tho candidates waa detained by ai. accidont, and h:'« friend?, in order to prevent hU rival from SfOttiDjf ahead of him, sot up l»j>by- who happened to be in the town—as a stalking hoivo. liifiby was proposed and seconded —harangued tho electors against tioio—a poll wns'demmded, nnd own voto waa givon, which, with tho votos of tho pronoeor and soeonder, gavo him three of tho voices of the electors of tho borough. Just at this stage of the proceedings the hona Jidn candidate arrived. Rigby reti-ed from tho hustings, but mado no formal resignation of his claims. Fiorca raged tho contest. Thero wae on both sides a Iromendous oxpondi turo or bribery. Tho election ended in tho triumph of tho man who bribed tho highest; and in duo course of time hia antagonist potitionod against his rnturn. Tho sitting member waa unseated for gross and corrupt brihory ; but the potitioner was not seated, for bribory to a great oxtc.lt was clearly proved to havo busn committed by him al so.

Thoro had boon, howover, a third candi date, who had committed no bribery — a candidate who had got three votes. Tho (Joinmitteo accordingly reported that " ftic holas lligby, Enquire," had boon duly re turned for tho borough. This decision astonished tho public, who had looked en lligby's standing for tho borough a-> a mere olcotioueerinK rupc, and who, in fact, had forgotten tha circumMance in tho inturent excited by tho moro important candidates.

Hero wiifl a frol:c of fortune. It is not ov. ry dny that senatorial honours aro flung at nion'a heads, and Ki«by determined to make the most of his sudden and imlooked f.ir olovation. Tho gentleman bb whose locum tenais he had been originally pro posed to the electors wrote him a very friendly lettor, requesting ho would resign his coat, as tho writer wished to offer himself again for tho Borough. But Rigby roeolvod to koop what ho had got. What, roeign his feat! How, in point of justice to hi* constituents, o'- consistently with his pacrod dut/ to tho country, could ho sur render tho important trust tho electors had kindly conlided to hi* hands? Forbid it honour ! conecionco ' patriotism ! Rigbys friend was compelled to submit to Kigby'e virtuous determination.

A Lesson In Spoiling. This gentleman ira» tho juror who, at tho Cork Assizes, presented to the Court, in tho character of foreman, tho verdict of " guilty," which ho had spelled "gilty. ' "That'll badly spoiled," naid the counsol fur tlio defence, who was near tbo box, and peisssd tliu paper hi Imm'iht. "How pIihII 1 mend It. V' inquired tho foromun, nbanhod and confused at this public consuro. " Put n, o, t, beforo it," returned tho counsel, handing back tho paper for tho emendation, which 'ho former immediately male, in bewildered unconsciousness of Uio important nature of tho change. " Tli'oto -that will do," said tho counsel, taking thu umondol document, and handing up "Not (Juilly" to tho Court. A fortu nate interposition: Tho juror in question had a mania for hanging. Ho had, in his impetuous hasto, handed in his isnuo paper without consulting his brothron in the jury box. Bur if tho priauner in that instanco escaped death, in how many instances were the miserable victims sacrificed ? A verdict of guilty was easily obtained from jurors who belonged to n claea that deemed accusation sufficient to establish crimina lity, and with whom tho received policy wan that of hanging tho accusod, "to make an osample, and to proecrve tho quiet of tho country."

Tho " Northern Star " nnd Ha Founder.

Foavgus O'Connor established in Leeds the "Northern Star," v weekly newspaper, which was designed to propagate the principlo* of tho Society. Ho had talked tho Chastest public into belief that the now journal would work wonders; and showers of five-pound notes rained down on tho projector to onable him lo establish it Beforo long it acquired nn enormous circulation. I have heard ot 60,000 copies of a single publication being sold by tho agent at, Manchester ; and it is said that railway conveyance Doing then far from gonoral—tho I'ost Office authorities are in Fomo cftsoH obliged to hire carts or waggons for its transmission, as it occasionally overflowed the restricted accommodation of the mail coacbos. It is long since defunct While it lasted, many of the traits of tho proprietor were amusingly chronicled in its columns.

Ono curious mode of extending his in fluence was by having the infant children of his followers christened by Mb name. A string of such baptisms was for a long time to be found in t^o columns of each succes sive " Star," as for example—" On Monday, tho Sth instant, tho wifo of Ichabod Jen kins, nailer, was delivered of a tine 'hriving boy, who was christened Feargua O'Connor Icbabod ;" and so on for the best part of a column. Girla woro also often christened after Foargue. A whole population of Fear gus O'Connor?, male und female, seemed rapidly springing up ; and the lists of these baptisms wore usually headed with the words, ",More Young Patriots." A Patriot In Prison. Feargus O'Connor, during tbe earlier part of his imprisonment in York Castle, was treated with atrocious severity. He pub lishedin the newspapers statements of the barbarous indignities inflicted upon him. In a letter to the " Times " ho expressed a fear leat the prison discipline ehould abridge bis existence ; and desired that in the event of h;s doath his body should be opened by three surgeons whom he named, one re siding at York, another at Hammersmith, and tbo third in London. Before ho had ended his epistlo, howevor, he evi dently thought that it would be bottor to livo for future political squalls than to die in gnol for a post mortem, examination. "Adieu, world," he exclaimo, "for seven teen months - but, by hoavon ! I'll make a storm iv you yet."

In gaol ho performed some eccentric ex ploits. On the first Sunday after liiß arri val he waa conducted to tho chapol of the prison, whore he astonished the congrega tion and scandalised tho parson by bellow ing tho responses of the service in stentor ian tones. Ho was not again required to attend the chapsl during hia imprison ment.

France must necessarily deprecate a European war. Victorious or vanquished, she would b^ almost sure to fall under a military depotism. If a democracy ia to retain its libartiew, if; mu:-t like Switzerland and tbo United Sr'itos, (jive up all idea of military fjlory.—" Contemporary Keview." Two thousand eight hundred and eight patient* wero admitted into the Sydney Hospital last year, of whom 2,060 were males.

DEATH OF MR SNEWING.

THE SENSATIONAL DERBY TIUDMPH WITH CAKACTACUS.-KEMINIS CENCES OF AN EVENTFUL YEAR.

(From Ouk London Correspondent.)

Precis. Heath ov Mv Shewing—Toe Debhy ok 1862—its sl'kcial intkkkst to australians -The M»hQOis- His Stud Career in Vic touia - Tiik Bookmaker's Oath — Tnn Statue of Oab»ctacus -Laying Down a ' Dkkhy Bix ok SnEiiity—Caractacus Venit —Backed foh the Derby—a. skkiks ov t'ekbats-tcxcitement over the Ijerily- Hohsks Backed to Win Fortunes -The . start-Tiik Kacb-ViutoKY-Tiib Jockey Fails to Draw Weight—An Objection— admiral jkol's to tub kkscue — hext ' Morning—Winnings. j

London, January 14.

The death! of Mr Shewing, owner of the famous Caractacus, recalls memories of one of the most eventful and sensational Derbys ever run over Epaom Downs. To Austra lians the story of this race must always be of special interest, for it was ono of the few occasions that Tho Marquis, who died re cently in Victoria after a long and useful careor at the stud, suffered defeat on the turf. John Scott, indeed, always maintained that had the coit's jeekey made losb use of him during the early part of the Btruggls, Caractacus would never have been returned winner of tho Blue Hiband. The nwnor of a second ie, howevor, generally of thoopinion that but for something or otheritahould have won. Mat Dawson, I know, declares Buck ntonu would have boon returned the winner had he run up to his trial, and Jackson, tho leviathan bookmaker, could nover undorstand why Noptunus, who had won a most extraordinary trial; with Tim Whif- Her another subsequent emigre to tho colonies—got no nearer than fourth. Mr Snewing wai a bookmaker, not o " membor of the ring " in an ordinary accop tation of tho tonn, but ono of the " list" men who, till Andoreon's act was passed, kont shops in ona of tho small Efcroots at Iho back of Drury Lanes. Ho had a email stud, which he trainod privately in a somewhat happy-go lucky manner. At tho Exhibition of 1851, whon quite a young man, he saw a magni ficent pieco of etatuary repreßonting Carac tacus in chains being led captive to Rome. Tho beauty of the work and the euphony of tho namo caught his fancy, and turning to thn companion of tho momont, he naid, "If over" I try a horso good enough I'll call him Caructacus, and win the Derby with him." To win the Derby was Snowing'B (liko ninny other people's) great ambition, and so certain waa he that the " good thing " would some day como off that he laid down a bin of sherry with the determination that tho first class should be consumed in hon our of the great occasion. Just ten years later, and on the ovo of the opening of the second Great Exhibition (that of 1862), Mr Snewing found himself with a colt of unusual excellence, by Kingatone, out of Defenceless, to which he felt justified in giving the name of Carac tacus. The youngster was bought as a yearling for 270 guineas at Mr Blenkiron'B palo in IS6O, and did not distinguish itself as a two-year-old. Early, however, in 1562, Caractacuß was on everybody's lips as a likely outsider for the coming Derby. This was after the Groat Metropolitan at Epsom Spring Mooting, in which Mr Snewing's colt ran a great race with the then famous Astoroid. Hardly, however, had the bookmaker and his friends heavily supported Caractacus> for the blue ribbon than ho disgraced himaelf inexplicably in tho Btennial^at Newmirket, and this defeat was huccerded by others in the Chester Cup and Great Northern Handicap at York, which seemed to entirely dispose of the colt's Derby chance and drove him to 100 to 1 (0) in the betting. Snowing's trainer then arrived at the conclusion that the colt was ovor-done and changed his- system of exorcise, with sucli success that Caractacus was soon himself again, and ten days be fore tho Derby won tho Somersetshire Stakes at Bath after walking ten miles to the course from a dißtant farm-house where he waa stabled. Tho Derby fever nover raged with greater fierceness than during tho week prior to tho Epsoro carnival of 1862. All the world and his wife, including princes and potentates innumerable, were in London celebrating tho opening of tho greatest Exhibitions, and every man (worth hi? salt) meant to be at Epsom on the oosuing Wednesday. The Marquis, the colt that subse quently made such a name at the stud in Australia, was first favourite of the 34 starlors. Ho hailed from the invincible etablo of John Scott, and had won the Two Thousand to boot, facts which made him the idol of tho populace and terror of the ring. Then there was Buckstone, thshopo of thp°followors of riirowd Mr Merry and tho " boy in yellow ;"St. Joseph Hawley's pair, Argonaut and St. Alexis; Lord Glas gow's highly tried Brown Bes>s colt and Lord St Vincent's Schonallon. All these wore backed with a steady confidence to win largo fortunes, but tho horee that would certainly have broken the ring, had he won, was Noptunus, the property of Jackeon. the l-wittfaan bookmakor, who had been tried " a dead cerraintv" with tho Choster Cup winner, Tim WbifUer- another ovontual emigre to Australia. Lord Stamford (thogreatplungerofthoanto-Hastings period) bad also a horse callod Eneign engaged, who was heavily supported, and an outsider named Ace of Hoarts likowiee found numorous friends.

An Objection to tho Winner.

For the description of the race and the romarkablo scene that followed 1 shall nuote from Mr Corlett, of tho " Sporting Times," who hae been looking up files of " Bell's Lifo" to refresh his recollections of these stirring old times. The Derby day proved hot and sultry, and tho assemblage on the Downs phenomenal. The Marquis re mained a firm first favourite up to tho start, though close pressed by Bucketono. Caractncus's price was 50 to 1, one of the last wagers Jaid being 5,000 to 100 to a gentleman who liked tho colt's notion in tho preliminary cantor. James (Joater. Snewing's chief jockey, had been offered rhe mount on Caracracus, but refused it in favour of a brute of bis brother's, that finished last. Parsons, a stable boy, was consequently put-up. Jim Goater's rofupal was specially unlucky, as it cost him tho annuity of £100 a year for life, which Snewing had promised to settle on his jockey if ever ho won the Derby for him. The start was a very bad one, Ensign and three others being several yards behind when the flag dropped. The Marquis, however, got off well, to the delight of John Scott, who was not, however, so well pleased a little later when he saw the colt making the running throughtho furzes, as Aehmalt's orders were to wait. Coming down the hill Ashmalt Btoadiedhis horse and allowed Brighton, who had run third for tho Chester Cup, and Not tingham, to|ride whom the Duke of Beau fort had given up Alfred Day, to pase him Close up with these came Caractacus and Buckstone, side by Bide, and Neptunus and Argonaut. Croseing the road, Caractacua took the lead, buc though he was in front, his inexperienced jockey did not force him in tho least, but rode with all the coolness of a veteran keeping his horse well in hond. The first to cry ago was Nottingham, who bad run fast in the Two Thousand, and, stumbling, ha came nearly on to his nose and kness. Jack son's " blue and white" on the dreaded Neptunua was tbe next to disappear, and the " Merry" men began to have fears for Buckstone, who had got his head down and was pitching terribly. This was near the bell Here the cherry jacket of Sir Joseph Hawley was seen well in the van, and loud shouts of " Sir Joseph wins I" " Argonaut wina !'' were raised, but the horao, coming into collision with Buck stone, dtopped away again. The light blue jacket and white cap of Caraetacuß were still in front, with the ecarlet jacket and white cip of The Marquis on the lower cround sticking to him like a leech, with Buckstnne improving hia position again immediately it came to climbing tho bill. Caractacus, however, held him to the finish and won by a nock, John Scott's party most unjustly blaming Ashmaltfor throwing away the race by being in front so soon after starting. A length and a half away came Buckßtone, who did not show to advantage in descending the hill, and when Mat Daw eon Baw that his trial horse, The Knave, who ought to have been a hundred yards behind, waa close up fifth, he ridiculed the idea of the runniug being correct, so far aa Buckscone was concerned. Neptunus, who was beaten by tbe hill, was fourth, a head only in front of Euckstona's stable com panion. The winning cumbers hoisted on tha telegraph were — 17 14 6 but Mr Snewing'e money was not yet won. Full of excitement and enthusiasm he pre sented himself to see Parsons weigh in. To bia horror the jockey failed to draw the

weight, The bridlo was cent for, and "Oh, the agony I felt at that moment, I ; would riot tfndorgo it again for a thousand : pounds," Mr Snewing remarkei to us some years afterward^,- wfcen speakiDtf of this cirenmstanco. Tftff bridle sat matters right,- and' thtf Kfeara Just turned, but with nothing to spare. It was not, however, all over yet. A short tiara afterwards, Lord Stamford objected to the itart on the ground that, with the exception of his own horee and three others, not one had gone the course. On this, the excite ment became tremendous. Would the race have to bo run over again, or would it bo void? Admiral Hous was, for tunately, at the head of uSiSre, and he was almost the only man en the coursa wjio did not luse hia head. On Lord Stamford making his protest, Admiral Kous took his watch out of his pocket, and, = noting the timo, said, "Twenty minutes ! Tfee objection, to hold good, should have beefl made within a quarter of an hour," this being Shu then GGcn Rule of Racing. The Admiral farther stated that, had the objection bfeen msde withm the quarter of an hour allowed, the stewards would' have had no alternatrve' but to declare the race void, and all bets and forfeits would haVe been cancelled. They could not have ordered the race to be run over again, as four horses had gone the right course, anJ, if any onb of those four had been placed, say, fourtb, by the judge, Caraotacus, The Marquis, and Buckatone would have been disqualified, and the raoe awarded to the horse so placed. What a dilemma was &ere escaped. Oh, wha*.a surpriso ! Horees not placed by the judge aro technically distanced, om'J. the same is the case with those that have gone the wrong course. If, therefore, Ensign had been placed fourtli by the Judge, and the claim to tha stakes had been made within a qnafter of an hour, ho would have been proclaimed whrtttf oi the Derby, and there would have been no second or third horse. Those events" wefe no startling that no wondor, when Mr Showing awoke, in his house in Euston Square tho following morning, all that had taken' pla'co eeomod to him liko a dream. li Is it truo, is it true, have I won the Derby, or have I dreamt it?" ho called out to his niece. "Make haste down, uncle, and come and look; the drawinp room hang with blue libbons," she replied. Even that did not satiefy him, and after seoing tho ribbons, ho said, " Sond out for a nowapapcr and lot mo coo it in print." Tho " Times " was brought him, and on ereing "Mr Snewing'a b c Caractacuo. by Kingston, out of Ueloncless, Sat 101b, ■!. Pardons, 1," bo replied, " Now lam calisfied. I know that I havo won the Dei-bv." Ho won over the race about £25,000, a "noble lord" won £12,000, Baron Nivioro £10,000. Mr Bignold £3,000, Prince Batthyany £4,000, and Mr Edmonds, Mr Wakes, Mr Coward, and Mr Mundy aleo threw in for good stakes.

Cats, Kittens, and the Taxidermist.

Thk cat population of these islands Is over 7,000,000. Probably 3,000,000 of theee may be reckoned as females; and it may be taken for granted that almost 4,500,000 families of kitten 3 annually enter the world A family of kittens ia generally four or five ; thus the total yearly production of kittens may bo calculated as quite 9,000,000. What happens to them all? The great majority are doubtless drowued; and perhaps in the destruction of no other animal is there as much suffering occa sioned. But surely it is a short sighted policy thus to destroy every jear several millions of comparatively healthy animals, How, thero was recently inserted in a Birmingham paper an advertisement invit ing the public of the Midland metropolis not to drown their cats, bu<; to send them, at thea»e of ninoor ten days.to a taxidermist, and receive 2d each for them. One of the greatest attractions at the Bingley Hall was that by Mr E. Spicer, who has exhibited the kittens in the various stages of taxider my, and also anumber of his finished sub jects uniquely arranged. "I have been in the trade all my life,1' says Mr Spicer, "My idea for utilisation of the large number of kittens which are annually miserably drowned had a twofold origin. I have as a humanitarian for a long time deplored the cruelty almost in variably practised in destroying kittens, and the great waste occasioned by their destruction. In the second place, I recently tried to arrange a cat and dog in a snarling fighting attitude—the cat just like the kitten there with its back curled up, its hair .on end, its mouth and eyes open, and the skin of its face drawn up. 1 found, however, the animals too large to make an effective picture, and I thought of using v kitten and a pup. I carried out my idea, and the arrangement took a prize at a Burton oxhibition, and was generally ad mired. Than my cat had a litter of kittens, aud after killine them with pruSßic acid by a syriuge—the quickest and most offective method—l arranged them in the playful positions in which I had seen them. Of course all my arrangements are the rosult of careful observation of the habits and peculiarities of the various animals." "But how can you uso 10,000 kittens; and tho demand will surely be only temp orary ?" " Eanly. lam open to receive practi cally an unlimited number, I have so many orders that I cannot accept any more for a little while yet. There is one order for America for 10,000, 4,000 of which bavo.to be ready by the second week in December. Here are several thousand required by.a London photographic company whoso name you will recognise. The kittens are to bo fixed upon photographic stands. A great proportion of the kittens in other positions go into the fancy trad 6. 1 have sold 500 retail at this exhibition, and have prepared and mounted ns many. Ido not believe the demands will be at all temporary, but that a new —and I would emphasize the fact—ar tistic industry, profitably utilising hitherto waste materials, has sprung up. The trade does not involve the destruction of life, but eimply tho uso of animals which would otherwise be buried ; and uleo accords a painless death to creatures which it is the custom to torture in a greater or lesser de gree in getting rid of. Some people bring me their kittens and refuse to take the two pences, occasionally waiting at my shop to see that tho animals are expeditiously and humanely destroyed. I cremate them all. By the way, you may be interested in being told that a kitten is one of the most difficult animals to stuff."

" Do you use the skins of old cata ?" "Yea; they make most excellent ruga I have just made a big rug for a ecjuire in the neighbourhood out of the skins of the poaching cats he shot upon his estate. It would not do, however, to advertise for old cats. I should have no end of trouble. I would be almost certain to receive stolen animals."

la tht> afternoon Mr Spicer produced a family of kittens which had been alivo at 10 30 a.m., and selecting one he set to work upon it. LayiDg it flat upon its back he pkinned it almost in the same manner as a fishmonger would a rabbit; the only differ ence being that in the former case the operation was rendered entirely inoffen sive by the frequent application of powdered plaster of Paris, which dried up any mow ture. The body, with the tail affixed, having been laid aside for after com parison with its stuffed prototype, the legs were carefully pulled out, even the inside of the toenails being extracted. A milky pre serving liquor containing spirits of wine having been thrust by means of a stick into the leg skins, the entire contents of the head. sprinkled with plaster of Paris the while were scooped out, leaving only the Ecraped top of the skull. The inside of the face skin must be cleaned with care lest the whiskers'roots should be injured Cleaning and preserving of the head and Bkin was followed by building up the head with pipeclay. It was then filled with tow and moro pipeclay ; a similar opera tion being adopted in the case of the legs and body. The process of mount ing .the ekin of the head upon a plaeter cast is sometimea adopted. When the body is well filled up a piece of annealed wire, wrapped round with tow, ia so fixed that one end comes out at, tho tip of the tail, and the other through the forehead. To thiß wire four wires running down the legs are affixed. Thn skin is (then sewn up, and the kitten, which looks somewhat like a bat, is easily formed into any. desired position. The eyes are next put in. Con tinual study of the feline anatomy renders it possible to arrange the legs naturally by a tew rapid twists. The skin has been sub jected to combing and brushing operations ; and the protruding wires are now snipped off close to the balls of the feet and the forehead. With broken-eyed needle 3 — & further utilisation of wa^te, they cost but 6d a pound—tho body is fixed down upon tho flannul ; a con&idrr&bla timp is occupied in arranging the eyee, face, and hair with a pencil of wat waddiug; ana in titty-five minutes the little, shapeless, kitten has been preserved, stuffed, mounted, and generally transferred into a newspaper. —"Pall Mall Gazette."

A Cheap Rural Ramble.

(By an Overworked Aucki^anbek.)

How many pleasant rambles v?ith a comj paniooable friend—a kindred spirit—onei 1 might make through this beautiful xlortb' ■Island" of odm at but little ooaf » the ; facilities for travelling wero greater ihan they are.- At) homo, at holiday time, and more particularly on tbo Saturday hall-: holiday, there are numerous cheap excursion trips, everywhere By fend and water, but here at the antipodes everything seem* topsy turvy (even the man in the moon Btands on his head). Here, the railway authoritfep, ' instead of being tfce servants of the psoplo as Ifc the old country, and trying to oblige ti» public in ersry way, are_ th« masters of fos situation. In the writer's rambles he has1 met dozens of persons. " hewers of wood and drawers of water," who seldom, if ever, risit the towns, and there are doubtless many more in the busy towns who scarcely know what the courjtry, with its grand native bush and smiliDjc I posture, is like. He who is responsible for 1 this article was so delighted with a trip be took otic holiday lately that, with the editor's permission, he has now the pleasure of relating the incidents of the ramble ior the benefit of other Aficiiland business men who Want a little fresh air and scenery now and then' on the cheap: Tba writer left Auckland at 9SO a.m. lor Wairoa' South. The day was beautiful, and a fresh crisp breeze gave new vigour and energy to a bod? and mind somewhat ener vated by the cloas imprisonment of an Auckland office. Our Httle puffing steamer pastil along close inßhorcr, through tbo blue waters of this most beantifttl of har bours. So Close were we to the shore that he who cared lac the amusement could geologise by the wayv Every description of strata could be seen—horizontal, perpendi cular, synclinal, antioHnal, contorted, I and lying at every angle to the horizon, ' A grand study for the student of geology io this coast line, and to the artist ataw, with its background of high ranges of hills, mostly of slate rock, wooded, and Ikei* summits. But even this view has to take- o> second place in one's estimation -when the* noble Coromandel Hanges are seen lifting thoir sublime forest heights, streaked here and there with lines of white vapour, above the sunlit isle and sea at their feet. To tbo landscape artist and the naturalist (and o true artist must be a lover of nature)! such scenery gives rise to almost uncon - trollablo emotions, which, in a poet, -would probably end in much spoMsi paper, and perhaps a good line _ or two. But to the writer, who is neither poet, painter, nor naturalist—but perhaps »oara i turo of all tJfree, to a certain extent—the Wairoa River has most beauties. Here the cool brown river glides silently beneath the gloriously green Willows; slowly wind' ing its nofcle way as if loth to leave the treeß* cool shade for the ardent rays of the burning sun outside. On both Bides as wo progress, thick mosses of soft willow foliage grace the picture, the long trem bling fingers touching tho surface- of tbo water, and thus combining with the reflec tion in the water, forming a half-circle of creen. Mother ducks with greedy fami lies are bobbing up and down close in stream, and a few mullet > are jumping in the centra of the river. One couM almost exrjeefc to see the nymphe of olden time, the Dryads, and other elves . of the -woods and streams, and doubtless if our steartfer had not been so noisy a little machine we should have come upon some, trying their tresses upon the bank. • After a voyage of four happy hours at 8 cost of only 2e, we feel that we must re plenish our inner man, for. unlike-Oscar Wilde Bnd his apostles, beauty as yet eanj not satisfy our carnal ■ craving, and the breeze and the Hauraki is a first-class appetizer. Dadley's Warrior Hotel is before us, and after a slight repast, during which we have admired the cleanliness of the hostelry, we light our , pipes (dear friend and only comfort of the baebelorj and sally forth to enjoy the scenery. There is the valley with its numerous white houEOB and green and yellow strips of cnl-. tivation, its neatly-clipped live fences, and well-kept orchards; a truly " happy vall6y i wherein 500 Bonla have foand »s near approach to a garden of Eden as any on earth. There is Mr Robert Waterton's, a nephew of the Waterton (and who has not read "Waterton's Wanderings," with pleasure 1) pretty place, even where all tho places are pretty } and a place that shows the experienced eye that its owner,is a man of: energy. Three o'clock }we must push onward, and we march along the valley, with its white road, and many memories of the past days when the 14th Regiment and other soldiers found their work cut out for them in its then uncleared forests.' It is eight miles to Fapakura, and wa are glad a summer shower has laid the duet and cooled the air. :- The dearth of rain has not dried up the herbage in the valley, an one might have expected, yet the supply of food to cattle and other stock appears to bs exercising the minds of the farmers to some extent. The road is good to Fapa kura ; so good that we did not mind going off the track to climb a wooded hill near tho half-way house for the view, which climb was well repaid by- the scene, before as. Tbo Manukau Harbour and Heads are on one Bide; on tho other the glorious Hauraki Gulf, with tho castellated Coromandel hills, and the still higher tops over against Karangahake. Below Papaknra, with its swamp and its numerous gum diggers, is the blue Hunua range. Far away one could see Bombay and the silver streak where the noble Waikato lay like n Balmon river in the bonnie land at; home,' But "the shades of night" will soon make travelling difficult, and land} scape viewing impossible, besides "High tea" at Worley'a Fapakura Hotel:is not to be missed for a few minutes' enjoyment of a view, and so we trudge on. A good tea,' and then as the blue curls of fragrant smoke float, upwards from an after-meal pipe, we think over what we have eeen to-day", till "Gontlomon, the Auckland trains leaves at 8.20" arouses us, and we are again on the move. Finally, we reach home abou69 50. ■ i •

To-day, then, we have spent 12 hours amidst healthy sea breeze's,' placid river peeoee, and country .skies for the sum of 4s lOd each (exclusive of refreshments, which we could have taken with us). .y ■ • • -... >. ■

Having now, through the Stab's well read pages, let the busy men of Auckland know what can be done in the way of re freshing mind and body in twelve hours for a small sum, I close, with the determina tion of seeing if, at some future time, I shall not be able to beat even this record for the benefit of my brothers of the office stool. ______ '~ :

Rear-Admiral Tryon.

The "Whitehall Review" (London) of January 13th Bays:—"The announcement that Rear-Admiral Tryou, C.8., is to be relieved of the Australian command at tho end of the month has occasioned consider able surprise, his term of command having only lasted over two years. The "Army and Navy Gassetie," we notice, seeks an explanation in the statement that thin ir the length .of time which has governed the period of the appointment in late yeare.. This is, however,- opposed to facts, Rtar- Admiral Tryon's predecessors having in every case of recent years completed at least three years on the station < as the following return . will prove — namely, Sir William Wiseman, April, 1863, to 1867 ; Rowley Lambert, May. 1867, to. September, 1870; F. H. Stirling, Sep. . tember, 1870, to May, 1873; Sir Anthony HofkiuH, September, 1875, to Sep tember, 1878; Crawford Wileon, Sep tember, 1878. to January, 1882; James E. Erskine, January, 1882, to 1885. The tragic termination to a gallant career alone prevented the late Commodore Goodenough from also completing a three years' term of command on the Australian station, which is now, however, as a lag appointment to be apparently invited to two years. In selecting Bear- Admiral Henry Fairfax as Rear-Admiral Tyron's successor, the Admiralty have ig nored the fact that 10- of bis seniors, with out counting Rear-Admiral Kdyo, who last year declined an appointment, have as yet had no opportunity of hoisting their flags since their promotion to the rear-admiral's list. Roar-Admiral. Phil limore has not served afloat, since, be gave up the command of the Belleiele as a captain in April, 1880. Rear-admiral , Wratielaw has had a still longer spell of enforced inactivity, as hia last employ ment ceased in April, 1878, when. bis time wag np in the Revenge. Rear- Admirals Moresby (who is, however, serving under the Board of Trade), Sholto Doug las, Gordon Douglas, W. S. Grieve, C. J. Kowley, Richard Wolls, and D'Arcy-Icvino a.re similar!" affected, while on the Hat above them we find in Vieo Admiral Edward Hardinge a flag officer whose last employ ment was upwards of nine years ago, when as a.captain.be completed his three yean in the Penelope. He must consequently re tire, under the 10 years unemployed rufs, at the end of 1887." , :\ v- { ?

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, SATUKDAY, MARCH 12, 1887

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