[Illustration: _From a Photo, by_] PRESENT DAY. [_Vernon Heath._] HENRY M. STANLEY. AT 19, John Rowlands, a poor Welsh boy, had emigrated to America, had been adopted by a merchant of the name of Stanley, and had assumed the latter name. At 22, his adopting father having died without a will, young Stanley was serving as a petty officer on board the war-ship _Minnesota_. At 26 he had become a journalist, and was about to represent the _New York Herald_ with the British army in Abyssinia. On returning from this expedition he delivered lectures on his adventures, a handbill of which we reproduce on the page opposite, as a veritable curiosity. At 31 he had discovered Dr. Livingstone, and had returned with glory. What Mr. Stanley has done recently is known to all the world. [Illustration: _From a_] AGE 19. [_Photograph._] [Illustration: _From a_] AGE 22. [_Photograph._] [Illustration: _From a Photo. by_] AGE 26. [_Rockwell & Co., New York._] [Illustration: _From a Photo. by_] AGE 31 [_The Stereoscopic Co._] [Illustration: _From a Photo. by_] PRESENT DAY. [_John Fergus, Cannes._] [Illustration: Fac-simile of Handbill of Mr. H. M. STANLEY's first Lecture in America. (_Half original size._)] _Stories of the Victoria Cross: Told by Those who have Won it._ NO tales of heroism are more thrilling and exciting than the narratives of the exploits which have gained the coveted reward of the Victoria Cross; and a story never has so much reality and vividness as when it comes first-hand from the performer of the deed. Accordingly, we have asked a number of the heroes of the Victoria Cross--a truly noble army--to relate in their own language how they came to win the most glorious decoration open to a soldier, the plain bronze cross "For Valour." The narratives which follow require no further introduction, and will, we think, be found to possess an interest which is all their own--the interest and impression of reality. SERGEANT ABLETT. One of the most gallant acts which can be conceived is the seizing a live shell and casting it away, so as to prevent mischief from its explosion. A second's delay may be fatal, and the man who picks up the shell cannot tell whether the second in question will be allowed him. If it bursts in his hands it means certain death. Not only the greatest, but also the promptest, courage is needed for such an act of courage. Among the few who have performed such a feat is Sergeant Ablett, late Grenadier Guards, whose own modest account is as follows:--