It was useless to fight against destiny any longer. Assisted by those interested in a popular paper--which had slightly altered its character, changing from an authority on scientific research into a cheap sporting weekly--he reached the Antarctic Circle. He heard following footsteps. He tried to hide himself behind the South Pole. But it was of no avail. At length he was discovered! They stood face to face, both wearing skates. "What do you want with me?" "You were accused of murder, but was innocent." "Yes," he returned, with an ugly frown. "I was innocent _that_ time." "You are an interesting person. I have followed you all this way because I have determined to interview you." "No you don't," cried the pursued, drawing a sword walking-stick, and holding the blade dagger-wise. "Yes I do," shouted the pursuer, producing a note-book. "And now tell me who were your father and mother?" There was a short, decisive struggle, and then all was over. "If there is ever an inquest in this distant spot," said the conqueror, "the jury will bring it in justifiable homicide." And no doubt he was right in his conjecture. * * * * * TITLE FOR THE NEW IRISH FARCICAL COMEDY.--_The Two (or more) Shamrocks; or, A Little Cheque!_ * * * * * THE INCONVENIENCED TRAVELLER'S PHRASE-BOOK. (_To be Translated into every Language._) AN INCIDENT _EN ROUTE_. Why, although I telegraphed for rooms, am I told at three in the morning that there is no better accommodation for me than this stable? [Illustration] Why do you threaten me with the police-station for protesting? Why do you take me by the throat and drag me along when I am offering no resistance? Why do you put me in a cell when I had ordered an apparently now occupied bed-chamber at the hotel? Why do you refuse me a mattress, and take away the plank bedstead with which this dungeon is solely furnished? Why may I not see a solicitor? Why do you refuse to send for the British Consul when I tell you that my cousin's maiden aunt is engaged to a Bishop? What more can I do to prove my respectability when I have shown you my certificate of birth, my commission in the Militia, my banker's pass-book, my diploma as an utter-barrister, several framed and illuminated addresses of congratulation, and my passport? Why, although I have offered to pay for it, can I not have a decent breakfast? Why do you insist upon my making a nauseous meal on stale bread and unfiltered water? Why should you refuse me pens, ink, and paper? Why should I not write to the Editor of the _Times_? Why should you take away my watch, and put me in a practising-ground amidst drunkards, forgers, and burglars? Why should you not believe me when I assure you that it is a mistake when you fancy I have come to sketch the outworks of the frontier fortress?