He cracks his whip; the horses throw up their heads and break into a canter; the cavaliers turn pea-green about the chops, let go the reins and clutch saddle-pommels. The leading horse, a rakish chestnut, finding his head free at last and being heartily fed-up with the whole business, suddenly bolts out of the _manège_ and legs it across the meadow, _en route_ for stables and tea. His eleven mates stream in his wake, emptying saddles as they go. The ten little _gamins_ dance ecstatically upon the bank, waving their shirts and shrilling "_À Berlin! À Berlin!_" The ancient Gaul props himself up against the pie-bald cow and shakes his ancient head. "_C'est la guerre_," he croaks. The deserted Riding-Master damns his eyes and blesses his soul for a few moments; then sighs resignedly, takes a cigarette from his cap lining, lights it and waddles off towards the village and his favourite _estaminet_. PATLANDER. * * * * * [Illustration: _Motor Cyclist_. "DO YOU KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT AN AEROPLANE COMING DOWN SOMEWHERE NEAR HERE?" _Boy._ "NO, SIR. I'VE ONLY BEEN SHOOTIN' AT SPARRERS."] * * * * * "Some of these fish have already found their way to Leeds, and, it must be added, have not met with a very cordial reception. Although the fish may be bought at what might be described as an attractive price, they do not appear likely to move for some time."--_Yorkshire Paper_. But if the hot weather continues-- * * * * * [Illustration: _Convalescent Lieutenant_. "CHEERIO, MARTHA! I'VE GOT ANOTHER PIP." _Martha_. "LAWKS, SIR! I 'OPE IT WON'T MEAN MORE VISITS TO THE 'OSPITAL."] * * * * * SENSES AND SENSIBILITY. I. _From Fred Golightly, comedian, to Sinclair Voyle, dramatic critic._ DEAR VOYLE,--I am not one ordinarily to take any notice of remarks that are overheard and reported to me; but there are exceptions to every rule and I am making one now. I was told this evening by a mutual friend and fellow-member that at the Buskin Club, after lunch to-day, in the presence of a number of men, you said that the trouble with me was that I had no sense of humour. Considering my standing as a comedian, hitherto earning high salaries and occupying the place I do solely by virtue of my comic gifts (as the Press and Public unanimously agree), this disparagement from a man wielding as much power as you do is very damaging. Managers hearing of it as your honest opinion might fight shy of me. I therefore ask you to withdraw the criticism with as much publicity as it had when you defamed me by making it. Why you should have made it at all I can't imagine, for I have often seen you laughing in your stall, and we have been friends for many years. Believe me, yours sincerely but sorrowfully, FRED GOLIGHTLY. II. _From Sinclair Voyle, dramatic critic, to Fred Golightly, comedian._