"Now, Mr. JOYNSON," Examiner again observes cheerfully, "let me ask you quite an elementary question in Real Property. Just give me a brief, a very brief, explanation of what you understand by the Rule in SHELLEY'S Case!" But I don't understand anything by it! It's a piece of hopeless legal gibberish to me. I stammer out some attempt at an answer, and see Baboo looking at me with a pitying, almost reproachful, glance. "Didn't I," he seems to say, "explain it all to you once at dinner? Do you really mean to say that you've forgotten the way in which I arranged the salt-cellars and the table-knives, and how I turned the whole case inside out for your benefit?" I admit the offence. Examiner seems surprised at my ignorance--informs me that "it's as easy as A.B.C." It may be--to him and the Baboo. Baboo, being asked the same question, at once explains the whole matter, this time without the aid of the salt-cellars and cutlery. A few days later go to look at result of examination. Result, for me--a Plough! Walking away dejectedly--("homeward the Plough-man wends his legal way"--as GRAY sympathetically put it)--meet African law-student, who grins insanely. _He_ doesn't sympathise in my defeat. Shows his fine set of ivories and says:-- "Me failed too. Me go back Gambia. You come back with me!" Tell him I'm not "called" yet: certainly not called to Gambia. "Then come to Alhambra!" he suggests, as a sort of alternative to a visit to the tropics. African student evidently still a masher. Decline his invitation with thanks. Wouldn't be seen with him at a theatre for worlds! Depressed. Don't even look in at Gaiety Bar. No Gaiety for _me_--and no "Bar" either, it seems. * * * * * [Illustration: SOME NEW YEAR'S PROBLEMS.] * * * * * THE BUSY (J.) B. (_Not by Dr. Watts._) How doth the busy Jerry Builder Improve his shining hoard, And gather money, basely earned, From every opening Board! How skilfully he scamps his "shells"! How deftly spreads his sludge! And labours to defend his sells By special-pleading fudge! With what serene, well-practised skill, He "squares" Surveyors too! For Jobbery finds some baseness still For venal hands to do. Whether for work or healthful play His buildings will not last. May he be called some day, some day, To strict account at last! * * * * *