During the absence of my pupils I frequently visited the neighbouring watering-place. Amongst the many distractions of the sands was one "entertainment" which caused me considerable embarrassment. Two "mysterious minstrels" disguised in wideawakes, blue spectacles, and comforters occasionally made what is known as a "dead set" at me. These vocalists (who were small, but noisy), did a roaring trade amongst the excursionists. They seemed to have a long _répertoire_ of songs. They vocally narrated the adventures of a young person from the country, who seemingly, with a view to enjoying the restorative effects of sea-bathing, appeared with "her hair hanging down her back," and the vagaries of a body of revellers who preferred to parade the streets "nine in a row," instead of in couples or singly, when they were in a condition subsequently recognised by the presiding magistrate with a fine of five shillings. These ditties were not altogether unamusing, and I might have enjoyed them had they not been supplemented by a song dealing personally with myself. This last effort was mere doggerel, but it was so insulting that I was forced to give the vocalists into custody. I explained that the lines were calculated to cause a breach of the peace, and the local policeman removed the singers to the station-house. [Illustration] This last adventure caused me some annoyance, and I returned to my suburban lodgings in the hope that in the cheerful conversation of my charges I might forget my chagrin. Neither GEORGIE nor JACKY were at home. The hours of dinner, tea, and supper passed, and they still put in no appearance. This caused me considerable surprise, as, although not very regular in their habits, they were accustomed to pay attention to the fixtures of meal time. Late in the evening, a police constable called, and explained to me that two boys had sent for me, as a householder, to bail them out. The remainder of my narrative is clouded with pain. I would willingly stop at this point. But, with a view to completeness, I continue. On reaching the police-station, I learned to my indignation that the "mysterious minstrels" and my charges had the same identity. This discovery will ever be a cause of deep regret to myself, and, I think I may add, for very practical and sufficient reasons, to GEORGIE and JACKY also. * * * * * [Illustration: RECIPROCITY. _Columbia._ "SORRY THEY ARE PARTING COMPANY AND GOING HOME--THE CONTEST FOR THE CUP HAD SUCH A LAME CONCLUSION!" _Britannia._ "WELL, MY DEAR WHOSE FAULT WAS IT? CONSIDERING THAT I UNDERTAKE TO RULE THE WAVES, YOU SURELY MIGHT MANAGE TO KEEP THE COURSE!"] * * * * * [Illustration: A SKETCH FROM LIFE. _Chorus_ (_slow music_). "WE'RE A RARE OLD--FAIR OLD--RICKETY, RACKETY CREW!"] * * * * * A DIALOGUE OF THE NIGHT. SCENE--_The Shades at Nightfall. The Swiftian Ladies alone._