His hands were numb with cold and little by little he felt them slipping. Another moment and he went. But not far, for when he let go he was not three feet from the bottom of the shaft. All the same he felt decidedly shaky as he groped about for his lost candle, which he found, and then coolly completed the exploration for which he had descended. DRINK OR TEMPERANCE? A temperance orator was describing to his audience how his own life had been influenced by total abstinence. “You know,” said he, “that I am chief of my department. Three years ago there were two men in our office who held positions superior to mine. One was dismissed through drunkenness; the other was led into crime, and is now serving a long term of imprisonment, and all through the influence of strong drink. Now, what I ask,” he cried, growing eloquent, “what has raised me to my present high position?” “Drink!” was the vociferous but unexpected reply, which he received from a number of the audience. HE WANTED TO KNOW. His five-year-old boy was perched on his knee, and the fond father gazed at him with eyes that beamed with paternal pride. “Papa”--pointing out of the window--“what are those men doing over there?” “Building a house, my son.” “Why?” “Because they are paid to do it.” “Who pays them for doing it?” “The man who is putting the house up.” “What does he pay ’em for?” “For building the house.” “Why?” “Because--well, because they would not build the house if he did not pay them.” “What does the man want the house for?” The paternal smile became rigid. “To live in.” “Hasn’t he got a house to live in?” “Oh, yes!” “What does he want another one for?” “Oh, for other people to live in.” “What other people?” “Oh, men and women and little boys and girls.” “Why do they want to live in the house?” “Well, they must live somewhere.” “Who?” “The people.” “What people?” “Any people.” “Why?” At this juncture the innocent, prattling child saw a firm hand descend, and hastily retreated in time to prevent a collision. THE NEWS OF ALL NATIONS. Interesting New Inventions. A safety pocket to hold a watch securely is a feature of a new apron for workmen. A device for removing tires from wagon wheels has been invented that exerts a pull exceeding a ton, yet weighs less than twenty-five pounds. The principle of the automatic drinking fountain has been applied to a water cooler by the invention of a bubbling attachment. Flies can enter a garbage can that a New York man has patented, but as they try to get out, they are caught in a wire trap, which can be detached and the insects destroyed. A new clamp to hold a cover on a milk bottle also serves as a handle to carry the bottle. Won’t Cut Hair Until Bryan is President. Bryan Wise, nineteen years old, of Crane, Mo., will get his first hair cut when William Jennings Bryan becomes president.