The others immediately began to puzzle over the answer, Miss Phipps being unusually foolish, even for her. It was some time before they discovered the correct route. What do _you_ think it is? "Well," said the Squire, with a hearty laugh, "it's time for bed." One by one they filed off, saying what a delightful evening they had had. Jack Ellison was particularly emphatic, for the beautiful Miss Holden had promised to be his wife. He, for one, will never forget Christmas at Happy-Thought Hall. [NOTE.--The originals of the drawings are on sale from the Author at five guineas apiece.] A. A. M. * * * * * Illustration: _Little Tomkins_ (_to Herculean Coalheaver_). "WHY DON'T YOU COME UP THE GREEN A COUPLE O' NIGHTS A WEEK AN' DO A BIT O' SHOOTIN' AN' DRILLIN'? YOU'D GET AS FIT AS A FIDDLE." * * * * * STABLE INFORMATION. Last winter I wasn't familiar with Brown, Our intercourse didn't extend Past a grunt if we met on the journey to town And a nod when I chose to unbend; But times are _mutata_, and now I've begun To cultivate Brown more and more, For Brown has a son who is friends with the son Of a man at the Office of War. When a fog is concealing how matters progress And editors wearily use (Upholding the goodly repute of the Press) A headline from yesterday's news, Brown's knowledge enables his friends to decide What the future is holding in store, For we gather that KITCHENER _loves_ to confide In that man at the Office of War. And I in my turn spread the tidings about; To the heart that is apt to be glum And the spirit that suffers severely from doubt Like a sunbeam in winter I come; "The Teuton," I whisper, "will suffer eclipse In the course of a fortnight--no more; I have had it--well, almost direct from the lips Of the Chief of the Office of War." * * * * * Illustration: UNRECORDED EVENTS IN THE HISTORY OF THE WAR. GERMAN SOLDIERS BEING ROUSED TO ENTHUSIASM BY THE "HYMN OF HATE." * * * * * MAILS FOR A MAILED FIST. [The rumours of an invasion of this country, which have been prevalent during the last few days, are presumably responsible for these letters addressed to the Kaiser, which have been intercepted.] _Northsea Cove, Suffolk._ * * * Kind Sir,--Should your troops land in this neighbourhood, would you please ask them not to fire off guns between 3 and 4 P.M., as during that hour I have my afternoon rest, and I do not sleep very well. Yours truly, WILHELMINA TIMMINS. * * *