When my mistress went to get my daughter's baby-kitten, Captain went with her. My mistress did not know that Captain went into the room with her. Tortoise-shell was tending her kitten, but, as soon as she saw the dog, she jumped up and scratched his nose good for him. He did not stay very long. He was given to my mistress' brother on Saturday. The next day, which was Sunday, my mistress and the rest of the family were at church; the dog got out, I don't know how, but when my mistress came home from church she looked all about, but could not find him anywhere. She was very sorry, but I was not sorry one bit; I was glad. So now we've come to the end. G.M.M. * * * * * Oswego, N. Y. DEAR ST. NICHOLAS: Please will you tell me where I can find directions how to build a boat?--Yours respectfully, HARRY MEAD. Midland, 1878. DEAR ST. NICHOLAS: I wish that you would tell me how to make a yatch I have a schooner but she gets beat bad and I should like to know how to make a yatch that will beat them all I think one about 30 inches will be long enough.--I remain your constant Reader, G.B.J. In ST. NICHOLAS for July, 1875 (Vol. II.), Harry will find full directions how to make a serviceable boat at a small cost; and G.B.J., whose letter we print _verbatim_, also may find hints that will enable him to build an all-conquering "yatch." * * * * * Milwaukee, Wis. DEAR ST. NICHOLAS: I am going to tell you about a game that we play here a good deal. I do not know what it is called. It can be played by any number, though the more the merrier. Each player must have a sheet of paper and a pencil. When all are supplied, each one must write across the top of the sheet a question, taking up as little room on the page as possible, and turning the paper down so as to cover up the writing, as in "Consequences." The paper is then passed to the next neighbor, who is to write a common noun, of any kind, under the question, and turn over in like manner. After the noun has been written, the paper is passed on. Then everybody opens the paper that last came to him, and must answer the question in rhyme, inserting the noun. I will give you an illustration. EXAMPLE: Question,--"Do you like pigs?" Common noun,--"Peas." Answer, in rhyme,-- "I love the gentle animals That sport about our home. And all among the peas and corn So happily do roam." "Ah! little pigs I'll harm you not, Nor e'en disturb your play, But you shall have your own sweet will, And feed upon the best of swill, Through all the livelong day." Will somebody answer thus this question, that was given to me: "Which was the greatest battle of Alexander the Great?" Noun: "Toes."