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The manshing belonged then to an old lady as was wen-y kind to us. She never interfered with us, but let us make this plot a. reg’lar pitch at all ’oliday times, and sich like. Many a. mornin’ she come out and give me and ’Arry a. nice little bundle of pipelightswtracks, yer know, sirâ€"and she were always pleasant and sociable like. One mornin’ she come out to us with the tracks, and as I was a-bowin to ’er wery perlibe, and ’Arry drawin’ ’isself up like a brick; “ VVeU, mate," I says, “ I suppose he’d ha,’ liked to have drownded of ’em, as is only nateral ; but we can’t drown the Punch- md-Judy, and What else can we do with ’em ‘2” I says. “ Sell ’em,” says ’Arry. . Sure enough, soon after that we got a chance of dispoging of the legit’met drammy in the shape of Punch, Judy, and the dawg, zmd then we started in the cockernut line. Our first pitch was this wery spot, and We done a good trade. Customers was plenti- ful and bad shots, ’Arry stops short again, and snaps out, “ what would the man ha’ done with them kids if he could '3” “ N0,” 53st I, mournful ; “ the Hinger- lish people ’as forsook the legit’met drammy, Punch-and-Judy ain’t a-doing us no good,” I says, “ but is rather a-lowerin’ of our re- pitation. But we’ve got; ’em,” I says, “ and I guess we’ll have to keep ’em,” as the man said when ’18 Wife had three at abirth.” He jErks ’is thumb toward the Punch-and Judy box, and the dawg, and he says : “ Is thigjgrqg-payip’ us ‘2” It’s aboth five years ago now that me and ’Arry first went into partnership together. “76 was a-doin’ the Puncll-anvaudy lay, and me and ’im and the dan was passing along ’ere one day. ’Arry says, “ ’alt” he says, wery short. “ VVh xt’s up '3” I asks. “ See that pitch '3” ’Arry says, pointing along ’ere. “ Yes,” I answers : “ whats yer lay ‘3” “ Cokernnts,” he says. “ Good,” I says, “ but‘we ain’t got no sticks, and no nuts, and no bags, and no nothing.” Consesquentially, we ’as to pick our ground according. Now, this ’ex‘e is a model pitch. It’s agood level bit of grass as looks easy shying, and a nice, lumpy, awk’ard bit 0‘ ground for the gents to stand on when they shy. I’m a-lettin’ yer into some of lthe per- feasional secrets, becos I know yer won’t go back on a. feller. It looks nice and private, this ’ere model pitch does, the ’igh pa-lin’s there shuttin’ off the grounds of the Colonel's manshing ; and there’s the ’igh road where all the wans runs to Hepping Forest. It all come about along 0’ this pitch. NOW, maybe yer don’t know that in the three- shies-a-penny - now’s-yer -chance-knock-’em- ofi‘ perfession a. great deal depends on the pitch, which is the ground where yer puts up the cokernuts. Aunt Sally and three’ shies-a-penny is ’ighly diwertin’, innorcent, and ’ealthy recrelmtion, but it ain’t no man- ner 0’ use for to deny that it ain’t oftenâ€"at least, as a regular thingâ€"~33 we gets patter- onized by such tip-top swells as yerself, sir, a-beggin’ yer pardon for sayin’ so, and opinâ€" no offense, Which the same were not my in- tenshing. He’s a. rum chap, sir, my mate ’Arry is. See ’ow stiff he ’olds ’isself, like a. cokernut stick with the nooralgy in its neck. He’s a. old soldier, ’Arry ls, and he always ’olds ’lsself like that, and he never says a. word unless he’s spoken to fust, and then he an- swers yer wery short, as though ’is tongue charged ’im three words apeuny. But I ain't that sort myself, as am rather low- quacktious, and I could tell yer a tale about ’Arry as would surprize yer. Si? on the grass 5nd hive a. pipe with yer while I tells yer about it? Cert’nly I will. Thiamkfze, sir. i - W'Bn’t have any more skies, sir, becos cokcrnuts disagrees with yer ? VVerry gem}. ’Arry, the gem; won’t have no more shies, so count the sticks ! Have another shy, sir? Three shiesa NEVA The youngest of the hrothers three Then s mke with blushing modesty: “I ha a mortal enemy; Some days ago as on the heath I chanced to be I saw him he unconsciously Asleep. upon a, rock, in close proximity To an abyss, where the movement Might him below precipitate, And his soul from the body free. Then I towards him softly wont, Trembling, lest I should be too late; My breath I scarcely dared to draw As I forward crept with awe, Then by his coat drew him to me ; He woke up, and I left the spot." “ Then What?" In turn the second then harm! to tell the way In which lie from the river‘u bottom drew one day A monkey which was nearly drowned. How in himself alone was found The courage, and address. in this; event displayed ; Which by him was placed 'inng the grandest; deeds of man, For which the doer never can, Indeed, he too well repaid. “Thouno more than thydut}; didst,” the sire replied, “ And not to connnit a crime, In oniy an Act. sublime; Thou art just, my 5m), and nothing more ; now stand wide"I ‘ The recompense most fitting thou will; surely find In thy conscience," the old man said. “ Think me nothard, But be content, my son, and hear in mind, That good deeds bring their own reward." " With me was deposited treasures great and fair ; Without writing or witness they were left with me; I might. haye lgept them, but my word could not broken be, And so I restored them into the owner's care. Will not this action. father. with the best compare? Is it notincontesta‘uly The deed most noble and most rare '2" The Reward of a Good Action. TRANSLATED FROM THE FRENCH BY J. H. COTE, ST. PAUL. A good old man, feeling his end draw near, ’Mongst his three sons he would divide Some wealth ; which his own labour had supplied. The three sharesnrmnged: “I stillhave a jewel here," Said 11$, “ and \vlsh it as a prize to give Then For the deed which noblest shall appear That one of you shall do In eight days (if I live.) You must all meet here together at my side, And I will the decision make 0f your reports. Your leave now take, And may kind Heaven your efforts guide, And help in what you undertake." “‘Father, I have no more to say.” “ Son, to my heart let me press thee, For thou hast borne the prize away. To do good to thy enemy Exhibits true nobility.” All new take their several ways, hasten to return, on the appointed day ; So each the father's wish obeys, And everyone his rev'rcnce pays. The eldest speaks without delay And am] : TW’O SEARS. Joux HUDSON { ’Ere’s a tarhlow for yer, sir. Me and ’ ’Arry afore the beaks. Three J usticesses on the bench. l’erlceeeman in bloo. Court ‘ crowded. Old Col. l’epperton, lookin’ 1 savager and more yellower than ever, with a nasty hit of it scar Where the nice knobbly stick ’it ’is cokernut. Me and my mate in the deck The evidence was all give, and I was discharged with a warnin“ never to be guilty no more. I didn‘t leave the court but stood as close as I could to the- dock, where my poor old mate was standin’. Things looked very black for ’im. “ It’s twelve months’ ’ard,“ whispers the perleeceman to me ; “ that’s what it is. Yer see,” he says, “ ’ow bloo the Chair- man’s nose is. He always goes in for twelve months’ “(ml when ’is nose is that color. It ain’t drink, it’s undisgestion. It’s a. beauti» ful b100,” says the perleeeeman, as I think must ha.’ been a bit of a hartist like ; “ it’s a beautiful bloc, and with the two red noses That evenin’ me and ’Arry were in jail, and the last words of the pcrleeceman, as he looked the doors, was these, with a pleasing smile : “ This is six months’ ’ard ; that’s what it ’Arry ’ad said true; the Colonel was in the line of fire, and the nice knobey stick ’it ’im on the cokemut. Off rolled ’is ’at and down fell Col. Rufus Pcpperton " Jerry off the Wounded,” calls ’Ax'ry, prepariu’ to throw up the other sticks ; but the next moment the Colonel was on ’is legs and makin’ straight for ’Arry. The gar- dinger and two or three men come rushing out of the park at the same time, and ’eld the Colonel back, while one of ’em went and fetched the perleece. v-I. s? “ How dare you,” began the Colonel, not stirrin’. “ Twice,” sings ’Arry. “ You adacious villain !" “ Three times 1” and swift and straight come the nice lmobbly stick. “ Colonel,” he shouts out; in a. clear, loud ringin’ sort of voice, “ Colonel, I m going to throw these sticks up to my mate. Please march out of the line of fire. Once !” Now ’Arry ’ad ’eerd all he said, and I see ’is face gettin’ blacker and blacker. JuSt as the Colonel paused, ’Arry stood straight up with anice knobbly stick in ’is ’and, and a. look in ’is face I’d never seo’d there aforc, all the time l’d knowed ’im. “ Tracks !” ho shouts, “you won’t get any tracks from me. \Vhat you’ll have to do now I’ve come here is to make tracks ! Be off, you lazy thieves !” Soon as ever he come on the ground I see ’Arry draw ’isself up and begin salutin’ ; but the Colonel didn’t see ’im, for he was coming straight on towards me at the other end. Soon he reached me, and then he made a. few remarks. “You thieves, scamps Wagin- bones, tramps, rascals, knaves.” I told ‘im all about the old lady whatowas there afore ’im, and how she never interfer ed with us, and gave us tracks ; but I’d better have held my tongue. “ I'bcgs yAez; pardofi, sir,” I says, “but are yer alludin’ to me or‘ton’Arry ?”_I _say§. “To both of you,” he hollers, quite loud. “ Clear out of it 1” he says. “Clear out sharp, or I’ll shoot the two of you like dogs. This is my ground, and off you go !” Ava" 1‘ The next mornin’ was Saturday, and me and ’Arry got the cokernuts up in good time. We ’ad several young gents a-throw- in’ wery early that morniu’, and after they had gone away ’Arry ran up to the coker- nut end of the pitch for to throw me up the sticks at the other end to hndd to the ’eap so as to be all ready and ’andy for the next customer, when he sees for the first time the Hangerlow Hinjin. He comes rushing out of the park gates like a. wild bull, shakin’ ’is fist, and ’is eyes flashin’ in 7is yeller old face. “ Yes," he answers, and I knowed it was no use askin’ ’im any more just then, becos’ ’Arry werry seldom says more than one word a. hour at the outside. “ The place ain’t the same," says the chap as was telling us, “ since he came into it. Cayenne pepper is mild alongside of the Colonel, and ginger ain’t in it with ’im. As sure as you’re alive,” he savs, “ he’ll march you two off this pitch in years before no time. He’s death, he says ’isself, on all wagabones, tramps, and wermins.” “ VVhat’s ’is name ‘2” I says. “Colonel Rufus Popperton." I see a 111m look come in ’Ax'ry‘s face, and I says, “ Do yer know ’im, Any ‘2” But the next time we come round after that bad noose was told us. The old lady ’ad gone where they don’t never Want no tracks. She was (lead, sir, and the man- shing and park ’ad been took by a peppery, yeller-faeed, fiery-tempered hold Hanger- low Hinjiu Colonel, as was frightening everybody about the place. He’d frightened the person till he could scarcely preach, and ’ad almost forgot one day to make a col- lection ; the trades people trembled as they 5 see ’is yeller face a’colorin’ the shop-win 161's, 1 and the servants in the manshing ’ad quite ‘ give up the ridikalous idea of calling their 1 lives their own. l “ Thank yer, )er ladyship,” I replies. “ Three shies a penny, warm,” I says. “ is our reg’lar price, which ’Arry will tell you the same ; but any time, marm, as your ladyship \Vuulll like a nut, come and have a. shy for nouhink, marm I” wall, a-salutin’ of the lady, the old girl says: “I believe," she says, “I have some sort of right over this plot of ground as the owner of the manshing and the park ; but so long as you behave yeraelves and reads the tracks I shall never disturb you, ’ she says. a THE INVOLUT10N OF THE NEWS EDIToR. A New York judge has decided that all combinations to keep articles of food or other necessities of the market with a, view of getting a higher price for it. are unlawful and punishable as a crime. \Ve never could see much difference between gambling with cards or with stocks. ’Ow much to pay, sir ‘3 I ain’t reckoned up ’ow many shies you went in for, but I’ll soon lot yer know, sir. ’Arry, count the sticks ! He wanted to pension us both off, and do all sorts of things for us; but ’Arrywouldn’t take nothing except the free grant of this ’ere pitch whenever we want it. But I be- lieve the Colonel is a-doin’ somethka with the Government for ’At-ry and me, too, 1111' beknown to ’An'y ; and the roarin’ trade we do, sir, whenever we wisit this ’ere pitch makes me believe as the Colonel bribes everybody about the place for to come and throw. I don’t know ’Ow they squared it, but I know ’Arry was discharged in triumph, and ever since then I’ve kept the nice, knobby stick that’it Col. Rufus Pepperton on the cokernut. “ Comrade, I au’x ashamed of myself. But it isn’t because of a bad ’eart that I am the crusty, ferocious fire-eater you have seen me, but because I have no liver !” I never knowerl properly what ’appened after that. But I remember gettin’ on a. form and yelling “ Ooray I" till I were again chucked out. I remember the Colonel springin’ into the (lock, shakin’ ’Arry’s ’and and callin’ ’im “ Comrade.” Then I re- member ’im turnin’ to the three noses on the bench and sayiu7 : “This gallant fellow’s story is true. I tried in vain to find ’im after the day he’s been telling of, but the fortune of war parted us.” “And iere,” he gays, “ is the scill‘ of the wound which that common soldier bore for you !’ A Then the Hangerlow Hinjin turned and too ’Al'l'y’s ’angl again_, and_say_s : Likea man in a dream the Coljmol ’eldl ’is finger to the scar on ’is fore‘ead. Off Arry filings ’is coat, tears open ’is shirt, and’olds ’is finger to a big, jagged scar, nun; ’is noble ’czn't. “A stragglin’ soldier of another British regiment, cut off from the rest, hurries by. Look ! he hears the cry, gives one look at the officer and one at the flying rebels who carry the captured flag. He springs on a. ridevless charger, gives rein, and goes for death Or the flag 2 “The minutes pass on, and at last the soldier rides back with the colors wrapped round his ’eart, and as he puts them once more into the officer’s White fingers, they are dyed a deeper red by the blood which is flowin’ from a. wound in the soldier’s breast. “ Colonel, where is the scar I gave you because you' treated me andmy mate like thieves, and refused a fair w: ‘ning '3” “The place is a lmrnin’ plain in India, and the time is the Mutiny. An officer has fainted, and lies white and ’elpless on the earth, with the colors of the regiment clutch~ ed define and tight in both hands. He lies apart from the torn and battered ranks he's been tryin’ to hold together. A few rebels make a wild rush at the flag. The flagwâ€" the flag-is wrenched from the fingers, and they ride away. Then the officer comes to, and he groans, ‘The colors I The colors ! For mercy’s sake, bring me back the colors !’ “He tries to stagger on foot, but falls back again, too sorely wounded to rise ; and again he sobs out : ‘ For mercy’s sake, bring me back the colors !’ “Slr Frederick,” says the Colonel, “let the man go on, I beg of you,” and on ’Arry went to scene the first, just like a theyatre. “ This,” says "Ai‘ry, and I wouldn’t have be- lieved as ten million ’orses could ha’ (lrawed such a. speech from ’im : “ There stands the Colonel,” ’Arry says, “ and ’ere I stand. The Colonel is ’erc to send me to jail, and I am ’ere to go to jail. You sit there to sen- tence me to jail, and all the crowd of people ’ere are waiting to hear me sentenced. There is the Colonel, and ’cre am I, face to face. Face to face, close, for the second time in our lives. Now, I‘m just going to tell about the first time, and then let the Colonel send me to quad.” “Prisoner,” says the bloc nose,”as was undisvestion. “ this is all beside the oint.” c “ . .. .. _ N _ P _ “ Prisoner, haveuyou Van§thing to say for yourself ‘3” ’Arry pulls ’isself straight up, puts ’is ’aud to ’is ’ead, salutin’, and says wery short: “ Yes 3" “ What, pray ‘3” says the proprietor of the bloo beak. “ He’s never a goin’ to ’ang ‘im '2” I sa-ya to the perleeceman ; and then I ups and says to the Judge : “ Please your honor’s wor- ship, my lord,” I says, “ the reg‘lar charge is only three shines a penny,” I says, “ as no doubt your majesty have often ’ad a. go at the nuts yerself at that price, as is not extravagant. Three shines apenny is the reg’lar price, my lord, and ’Arry only ’ad one shy. Let ’im off easy, my lord !” I sayfi, winkin’ wery respectful. "1‘hey turned me out of nhe court neck and crop, but I got in aforo the row was over, and I ’ears the Judge say again : un- “ Havé you got'nnvtfiiug to say for your self Y” Thé tBree images put their ’eads together, and the old gent as carried the bloo nose «1’9.qu says to ’Arry weary solemn : r alongside of ’im, as is sittin’ there, it makes a. igrypretty pictur’.” V Asl crossed to the square opposite the palace, is far different scene met my gaze. An old woman was leading a. donkey at- tached to a gaudy chariot, in which chil~ dren were permitted to ride 011 the payment of P. few centixnos. The present occupant of this conveyance was a little baby who tossâ€" ed its arms about excitedly and cooed with delight. The mother, a. peasant woman, walked at one side, the baby’s joy reflected in her shining face. \Vhat greater contrast could therebe than that between the royal infant in his luxurious carriage drawn by blooded Arabians, and this peasant child in the tawdry car reluctantly moved by that worn, scarred, discouraged little donkey ? Yet who shall say that the one is happier 4 u A than the other Fifteen minutes after the others had gone the young queen, in deep mourning, cameout to her coupe, and in company w1th .. . . . A ‘ . .- a maid of honor went fora. quiet drive. The supply of carriages and royalty being exhausted, I turned away to pursue my lowly existence and to nurse the cold to which I had added in her majesty’s honor. A gold-laced chamberlin appeared and clapped his hzmds. The covers were snatch- cd from the four gray horses, which, prime- ing and curvetiug, drew the carriage to the doorway in the narrow passage I had just taken by force. Irushed with the crowd and, like them, took off my hat. I stood on tiptoe and saw a. very red-checked baby with a high white cap and long White cloak, carried in the arms of a “ royal peas- ant woman,” a nurse gay in colored dress and bright heml-kerchief. Two other wo- men attendcd the king. All four got into the carriage. The little princess and her governess entered the second equipage, and a duke and duchess took positions in the mule train. “'ith a great cluttering of hoofs the pro- cession moved away, and I put on my hat having seen the king and laid the founda. tions of a cold. My chagrin was soon forgotten at: the sight of four carriages surrounded by a crowd of stablemen, footmen, and lackeys in royal livery. To one landau were har- nessed four grays, to another four bays, and to a. third four mules. The fourth cur- riage was a closed coupe drawn by a haml- somo pair of buy horses. It was at once evident that the royal party were going for a drive. I haul not long to wait. How THE KING OF SPAXN GOES OUT TO DRIVE. The king of Spain is a remarkable sove- reign. he alone might boast of never speakinga word to be recalled, of never making a political mistake, yet for all that he is the most absolute despot in the world, land his eVery wish is law. This monarch lives in a great marble and granite palace in Madrid. From his windows he may look down on that unique river the Manzanares â€"a river which lacks nothing but water â€"au:.1 across the barren, rolling country Ito where high mountains lift their snowy peaks against the bright-blue background of the sky. If ever alittle pea rattled round in a. big pod it is this mite of royalty in his huge palace. The regal infant is treated with as much respect as though he were a gallant, handsome young king instead of a very round, read baby, not in any sense a. pretty 3 child, but, like a promissory note, worth ’ taking good care of against the time it comes : due. if Spain does not change her political I character, this particular note is more than . likely to go to protest, or, to leave our commercial figure, the baby is chiefly-in» ‘ flu-resting as a child that might rule, rather ; than one that will reign. As I was strolling along in front of the royal residence, nursing my wrath against the Spanish government for excluding a Canadian citizen from the national armory, my attention Was attracted by a. crowd of grooms and horsemen about the arcade which leads from the street to the grand inner court of the palace. I stopped and watched to see what would happen. Offi- cials in gold-laced coats, cocked hats, and White stockings walxed in and out with majestic strut, and bowed gracefully to gentlemen who were continuously arriving and departing. I noticed among those passing the guards and entering the court men who, I thought, did not look any more ofl’ieial than myself. So, emboldened by this fact and a, little piqued at missing the armory, I resolved to try the royal-residence. Getting.)r behind a§particularly disreputable- looking Spaniard, I made the attempt and triumphantly entered the court, which 1 found to be a public passage from one side of the palace to the other. The other day I happened by chance to get a glimpse of his infant highness as he was taking his nurse out for a. drive. In the case of any other baby we would slate the fact a, little differently, but it is obviâ€" ous that this is the only appropriate mode of expression for such an occasion. I sup- pose this nulse kneels before her master and says: “ \Vill your majesty deign to draw a little sustenance from this lacteal reservoir?” or “ Does the presence of this pinI have just inserted annoy your majesty ‘2" and so on through all the operations of the toilet. But speculation as to what goes on Within the palace must give place to what I observed outside its doors. Tu}: CLOTHES~P1N GARDEN. One, two, three, four broken clothes-pinz YOUNG FOLKS. Mr. Levy, head of an extensive firm at :Seattle, W. T., arrived in VVinnjpeg recently on his way to Chicago and Eastern cities. His motive for remain- ing over in Winnipeg was to interview the C. P. R. freight officials on the question of rates. He informed a reporter that he had been successful, and that a special rate had been obtained forhis lines, salmon and baled hops, to be applied on shipments to ‘St. Paul and other; American markets from Seattle direct. goes with the geese.” In a certain high-school class one day last week, the teacher looked over the class and said: “Now, can anybody tell me what the word gender means?” A long silence followed by the snapping of a boy’s fingers at the foot of the class. “Well, what is it, John?” asked the teacher. “Please, mum,” was the reply, “ it’s what Atthe concert. the other night a young chap who sat next to me faithfully consulted his programme and criticised every singer in very awkward terms. Having listened to enough of his grulf I quietly said to him : “You seem to know considerable about music ; are you a musician?” “ No, not ex- actly,” he replied, “ but my sister makes piano covers.” “Gentlemen of thejury,” once said an old- time judge. “ The lawyers have been here two whole days discussing the constitution- ality of the law under which this suit was brought. You have nothing to do with that. All you have to uSLertain is whether the man got the money. If he did he ought to pay it. Take the case.” Young Swiftiv“ Ahem .' I-a.â€"tha.t is. Uncle John, Iâ€"a~the truth is I am in a. bad way.” Uncle John (who won’t understand) â€"“ Bad way, ch '3 I knew it. Not enough exercise~too late hoursâ€" shortness of breathâ€"hectic flushes.” Young Swift desâ€" peratelyâ€"“No! Shortness of money~bobtail flushes.” Lawyerâ€"“ Now, Unch Zeke, you heard these two explosions : was one right; after the other?” Uncle Zekeâ€"“ Yes, 5211).” Law- yerâ€"“ Now, 3011 will swear that one didn’t; occur before the other '3” Uncle Zeke~â€"“ Yes, sah ; ’dcedI will ; I were dar an’ herd "em." “ It‘s a. shame that that man drinks so much,” said u mtul in a bzu‘room, indicating avery much intoxicated individual. “ Never min’ ole [01,” responded the latter, Who overheard the remark, “ Needn’t be hit ’fmid. You‘ll geâ€"hieâ€"all you need.” “ Mo‘nly, what shall I get you for your birthdayâ€"a, (1011 or some candy?” asked a Guelph mother of her pt t. Molly was silent for a. few moments, and then a happy thought struck her. “ (Jot me a doll~one of those candy dolls that I can suck.” Heâ€"“ My dear, those pies I ate at your mother‘s house to-night were horrible. She â€"“ Now, don’t talk that way. My mother could make pics before you were born. He â€"“ Ah, I see. \VelI, it must have been one of those that I ate.” “ I am not accnthtmned to dwinking,” he Said t'midly to h 3 b utenrler, “ but I am feeling quite thick, and I would like to athk you if you have any ware old whithky ?” “ Rare 01d whisky 't” re peated the bartender indulgeutly, “ I should say so I I can give it to you raw if you want it." “ And what was the disposition of the remain-s '3” was asked of a man who recently lost his motlier-fn-IILW. “The disposition of the remains,” he replied with real feel- ing, “ was quiet; and peaceful.” “ How are collections, doctor '2” he asked Ofa. young physician. “Slow.” “\Vhat’s the trouble ?â€"â€"money tight?” “ No; the trouble is, nobody owes me anything.”â€" “Well, Algernon, she greeted you with a smile, (lid she 1‘” “Yes,” said Algernon. ‘A bemgn one ?” “Oh, aseven-by-nine one. Moralists have said a great deal lately about elevating the stage, and we think they will do it quicker than they will low- er the woman’s tall hats at the theater. Truth lies at the bottom of a Well, but if you want falsehood in any quantity you must g') to the tombstr nes‘. N0 prima (10mm '55; ever known to be incapacitated by sickness from singing on her “ benefit ” night. Woman first invcnted sin, and she is responsible for most; oflhe improvements since. A certain grocer got a new pair of scales and (how large cr0\\ds to his store by put- ting out a sign reading : “ l’rctty girls given (I, weigh.” All summer he had wen them, and when the winter snow cuvlnc there was one, two, three, four \littlu white mounds which he could see from the window. Monuments to four lies 1 Now you can understand why he was so happy with the flowers in his sandgarden, and why the tears ofjoy came into mamma’s eyes. One day Benny made a sand-garden, with shells and stones for a wall. In it he put some wild flowers he had gatherel that morning. _ \Vhen the garden \vaLv in full bloom he led mamma to in, saying}, with a very happy smile on his face. “ These flowers are ever so much nicer than old cloihaspins, ain’t they,â€"bhe flowers are '1” \Vh-en he said this his voice was sober as well as his dear little face. Of course I did not try to find out “ the secret.” I heard nothing more about the clothes-pin until this summer, when we were at the seashore together. The Lears came into lramma’s eyes as she kissed the dear [me Her Voice t1 embled when the ansmred, “Sq much nicer, dar- line.” The next day I was mm the secret. Benny had one dreadful faulf,â€"sometimes he would tell a, he. S.) every time he told an untruth mammu had him put a broken clothes-pin next to the choicest: blossom in his msn garden. “ What for, dear Y” “ Cause,” said Benny. “ But it is a. very great secret with mamma. and me,” he 4dd‘ ed. “ A nice one, I hope, dear ?” “N otâ€"aâ€"veryâ€"nice one,”replied Benny. “ I’ 'e_ha<l lots and lots nicer.” in the midst of the dead flowers and leaves in Benny Blake’s garden. ” How came they there '3" I asked. But Benny looked very sober, and, dig- ing the toe of his little boot into the carpet, he said, in a low voice, “ I put them there, auntie.” wn‘ OF THE WEEK.