There are dark rumours abroad that the King's Cross favourite has been got at. She was in the pink of condition two days ago; but when I saw her pass at Peterborough to-day, she was decidedly touched in the wind. The way she laboured along was positively distressing. Besides, she was sweating and steaming all over. * * * * * I will wire my prophecies for to-day as soon as I know the results. THE SHUNTER. * * * * * [Illustration: "THE SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST." _Hackney_ (_to Shire Horse_). "LOOK HERE, FRIEND DOBBIN, I'LL BE SHOD IF THEY WON'T DO AWAY WITH US ALTOGETHER SOME OF THESE DAYS!"] * * * * * [Illustration: PICKINGS FROM PICARDY. AFTER THE PROCESSION. A SOLO BY GRAND-PÈRE.] * * * * * CHARACTER OF THE HAPPY "COPPER." (_After Wordsworth's "Character of the Happy Warrior."_) [Sir JOHN BRIDGE, at Bow Street, bidding farewell to Detective-Sergeant PARTRIDGE, retiring after thirty years' service, described the virtues of the perfect policeman. He must be "absolutely without fear," "gentle and mild in manner," and utterly free from "swagger," &c., &c.] Who is the happy "Copper"? Who is he Whom every Man in Blue should wish to be? --It is the placid spirit, who, when brought Near drunken men, and females who have fought, Surveys them with a glance of sober thought; Whose calm endeavours check the nascent fight, And "clears the road" from watchers fierce and tight. Who, doomed to tramp the slums in cold or rain, Or put tremendous traffic in right train, _Does_ it, with plucky heart and a cool brain; In face of danger shows a placid power, Which is our human nature's highest dower; Controls crowds, roughs subdues, outwitteth thieves, Comforts lost kids, yet ne'er a tip receives For objects which he would not care to state. Cool-headed, cheery, and compassionate; Though skilful with his fists, of patience sure , And menaced much, still able to endure. --'Tis he who is Law's vassal; who depends Upon that Law as freedom's best of friends; Whence, in the streets where men are tempted still By fine superfluous pubs to swig and swill Drink that in quality is not the best, The Perfect Bobby brings cool reason's test To shocks and shindies, and street-blocking shows; Men argue, women wrangle,--Bobby _knows_! --Who, conscious of his power of command Stays with a nod, and checks with lifted hand, And bids this van advance, that cab retire, According to his judgment and desire; Who comprehends his trust, and to the same Keeps true with stolid singleness of aim; And therefore does not stoop nor lie in wait For beery guerdon, or for bribery's bait; Thieves he must follow; should a cab-horse fall, A lost child bellow, a mad woman squall, His powers shed peace upon the sudden strife,