It is true that I begged, when inditing My note, a reply with all speed, And MABEL, to judge from the writing, Fulfilled my petition indeed! The drift of this scrawl, so erratic, I am wholly unable to guess-- It may be refusal emphatic, Or can it be "Yes"? "Affection" she'll feel for me "ever," But stay--if that blot is an "_n_" It turns it at once into "never," Or is it a slip of the pen? Her heart will a "truant (or true?) be," And what is the word just above? It looks like--it cannot be--"booby"! Perhaps it is "love." A meeting must needs be awaited To render these mysteries plain; Perhaps in this letter she's stated She never will see me again; On one thing at least I've decided;-- Should she be my partner for life, A type-writer shall be provided For the use of my wife! * * * * * THE GERMAN AND HORSE-TRYING RIDE. ["Most of the horses were standing, but propping themselves up against a wall or a post."--_Standard, Wednesday, October 12th_.] Pity the sorrows of a worn-out horse, Whose trembling limbs support him 'gainst a wall; Who asks you,--fearing future trials worse-- To kill him with a sudden shot,--that's all. * * * * * A CORRESPONDENT signing "INNOCENTIA DOCET," wants to know if "the Hub of the Universe" is an official appointment that can only be held by a Mahommedan or a Mormon? * * * * * CONVERSATIONAL HINTS TO YOUNG SHOOTERS. (_BY MR. PUNCH'S OWN GROUSE IN THE GUN-ROOM._)