* * * * * A PERSON TO BE AVOIDED. There is one thing that every bicycler needs to look out for more than for anything else, and that is the bicycle-thief. There is no denying that he springs up everywhere, and his ingenuity is something to marvel at. The latest device of these people is somewhat amusingly shown in a story which comes to us from over the sea. It seems that a well-known guards Colonel was exhibiting to an admiring group of ladies in Battersea Park, the other morning, the excellences of a magnificent bicycle, rumored to have cost an immense sum, when he was courteously accosted by name by a well-dressed stranger, who ventured to admire the wonderful machine. The stranger inquired as to the cost, and address of the makers, and asked if he might mention the Colonel's name when ordering a similar machine, a request to which the Colonel, who thought that the stranger might be an acquaintance whose face he had forgotten, immediately acceded. Then the stranger wanted to try the bicycle, and the Colonel, proud that his machine should have created such an impression, agreed to that proposition also. "I am only a novice, you know," the stranger remarked, as he treadled feebly along in a serpentine course; and then he mysteriously quickened his pace and began to ride straight. He was out of sight in a minute, and the Colonel is still waiting for him to return. * * * * * THE REPLY TO THE "DRUMMER." Travellers in the buffet-car of the Chicago Limited have provided many good stories for the delectation of readers. The following is a good instance. As the train pulled out of Chicago, a quiet, gentlemanly-looking man entered the buffet-car, and ensconcing himself in a comfortable chair, drew out a long cigar, and entered deeply into his paper. He remained so quiet and retained his seat so long that another passenger, whose hearing distinctly stamped him as a commercial travelling man, one of the kind full of chatter and curiosity, could no longer restrain himself. Addressing the quiet gentleman, he inquired, "Travelling East?" Slowly removing his cigar the gentleman turned and looked at his questioner with slightly elevated eyebrows, replying, "Yes." "New York?" "Yes." "Pleasure?" "Yes and no." "Great place, New York. Ever been there before?" "No." "I'm going home this trip--New York, you know." The gentleman made no reply but resumed his paper. After a little silence the commercial man began again. "I'm with C. & Co., on Broadway. If you drop in I'll show you over the city." "Thank you, it will not be necessary." "Excuse me, but might I ask what you're going to New York for?" By this time most of the other passengers were interested. The gentleman, who was extremely annoyed at the drummer's curiosity, laid down his paper, and exclaimed: