The priest cheered up. "For opportunities lost," he said. "The lost opportunities--how sad a theme, how melancholy a retrospect! Tell me of them." "I said nothing about lost opportunities," the dying man replied; "I said that there was much to regret, and there is; but there were no opportunities that in this particular I neglected. They simply did not present themselves often enough." "Tell me of this sorrow," said the priest. "Perhaps I may be able to comfort you." The dying man again smiled his grim smile. "My greatest regret," he said, "and one, unhappily, that could never be remedied, even if I lived to be a thousand, is--" "Yes, yes," said the priest, leaning nearer. "Is," said the dying man, "that I have known so few children." * * * * * [Illustration: _Sentry_ (_for the second time, after officer has answered "Friend," and come up close_). "HALT! WHO GOES THERE?" _Officer._ "WELL, WHAT HAPPENS NOW?" _Sentry._ "I COULDN'T TELL YOU, SIR, I'M SURE. I'M A STRANGER HERE MYSELF."] * * * * * "ABSENTEE ARRESTED. Sergeant Storr stated that he saw Shann on a lighter in the Old Harbour. He failed to produce his registration card and could offer no reason why he had not reported for service. Subsequently he said he was 422 years of age."--_Hull Daily News_. Passed for centenarian duty. * * * * * "Wanted, strong Boy, about 14, for milk cart; to live in."--_Provincial Paper_. He will at least have the advantage of living close to his work. * * * * * "THE BHAKTHI MARGA PRASANGA SABHA.--At Nagappa Chetty Pillayar Vasantha Mantapam, 322 Thumbu Chetty Street, Georgetown, to-morrow 4 P.M. Bramhasri Mangudi Chidambara Bhagavathar will give a harikatha on 'Pittukkumansuman tha Thiruvilayadal.'" --_Madras Paper_. We like the words and should be glad to hear the tune. * * * * * NURSERY RHYMES OF LONDON TOWN. (SECOND SERIES.) XII. CHERRY GARDENS. Where d'ye buy your earrings, Your pretty bobbing earrings, Where d'ye buy your earrings, Moll and Sue and Nan? In the Cherry Gardens They sell 'em eight a penny, And let you eat as many As ever you can. Moll's are ruddy coral, Sue's are glossy jet, Nan's are yellow ivory, Swinging on their stems. O you lucky damsels To get in Cherry Gardens Earrings for your fardens Comelier than gems! XIII. NEWINGTON BUTTS. The bung is lost from Newington Butts! The beer is running in all the ruts, The gutters are swimming, the Butts are dry, Lackadaisy! and so am I. Who was the thief that stole the bung? I shall go hopping the day he's hung! XIV. NINE ELMS.