Yet one cannot keep one's thoughts from the tremendous possibilities of the next few minutes. Where shall we be a few minutes hence? Some, one knows, will have gone West--and the others? Would they effect a lodgement, or be hurled back baffled and raging and impotent, as, alas! had too often been the case before? And what of those who were even now maybe preparing against our onslaught? Their intelligence could hardly have failed to warn them of our intentions. The position would be occupied, never fear, and in force, with seasoned men from the East. At last a stunning roar that seems to shake the very ground, rising to a shriek. Now it is each man for himself. The long line surges forward, looking eagerly for a breach. Now we can see our opponents--hate in their eyes--as they brace themselves for the shock. Now we are into them, fighting silently, with a sort of cold fury save where a muttered curse or the sharp cry of the injured bears testimony to the fierceness of the struggle. But see, they turn and waver. One more rush and we are through, driving them before us. The position is won. Breathing hard we look around at the havoc we have wrought, and suddenly the glamour of victory seems to fade and one loathes the whole senseless, savage business. We do not really hate these men. After all, they are our fellow-creatures. But what would you? One cannot spend the night on Charing Cross District platform. * * * * * [Illustration: SHAKSPEARE AND THE NEW ART. "WHAT'S HERE? THE PORTRAIT OF A BLINKING IDIOT?" _Merchant of Venice, Act II. Sc. 9._] * * * * * From a drapery firm's advertisement: "WE NEVER ALLOW DISSATISFIED CUSTOMER TO LEAVE THE PREMISES IF WE CAN AVOID IT. IT DOESN'T PAY!" _Scotch Paper._ Suspiciously like a case of "Your money or your life!" * * * * * BY THE STREAM. (_Featuring the Premier._) Mr. LLOYD GEORGE has returned from a visit to the haunts of his youth with renewed health and reinforced Welsh accent. The last day of his holiday was spent in fishing in the company of two friends; but unfortunately the newspapers failed to supply any details of the scene, a lack of enterprise which it is difficult to understand, especially on the part of the journals known to employ Rubicon experts on their staff. Happily we are able to give information which we have reason to believe will not be officially contradicted.