Having reached the last pier, I returned to land, and was sufficiently fortunate to catch an omnibus about to start on its exciting campaign. The route, which ran chiefly through main thoroughfares, extended to the length of four miles. Thanks to the exertions of all arms of the service, the distance was traversed in about three hours. Every inch of the ground was hotly contested, but the omnibus at length won the day. The losses on our side consisted of a colonel killed, and seventy-four rank-and-file wounded. The casualties on the side of the strikers were infinitely more numerous. On reaching my destination, I made for home in a balloon, thus escaping any further molestation. * * * * * PRESENTED AT COURT. DEAR MR. PUNCH,--I notice that "an original dramatic caricature" is being played at the Court Theatre, under the title of _Vanity Fair_. To prevent mistakes, I write to say at once that I am on the eve of constructing a three-volume novel, called _Hamlet, Prince of Denmark_; a poem, called _Box and Cox_; and a satire, called _Macaulay's History of England_. I merely mention this fact to protect my copyright in the names I have chosen for my new works. I have also in contemplation the writing of a book to be entitled _Adam Bede_, a novelette, to be known as _King Solomon's Mines_, and a story to be y'clept _Treasure Island_. May I add that I have also some pantomimes and eccentric ballets nearly ready that will be christened, when completed,--_Esmond_, _The Virginians_, _The Newcomes_, _Philip_, and last, but not least, _Pendennis_. Yours truly, NOTHING IF NOT ORIGINAL. P.S.--I am thinking of adopting as a _nom de plume_ the signature of "WILLIAM MAKEPEACE THACKERAY." * * * * * [Illustration: HIS FAVOURITE SUBJECT. _Imperial Artist._ "WISH I COULD HAVE GOT IT DONE IN TIME FOR THE ROYAL ACADEMY. SURE TO HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED." [*** The Emperor of GERMANY has recently painted a sea-piece.]] * * * * * [Illustration: 1886. 1896.] * * * * * HIS FAVOURITE SUBJECT. _Distinguished Amateur soliloquiseth:_--