On their return from the theatre Mr. Barlow, ever anxious for the improvement of both his young friends, commenced reading to them the story of The Magistrate and the Elephant; but, seeing that both his young friends were fast asleep in their chairs, he lit his chamber-candle and retired for the night.
On entering his room somewhat suddenly, a pair of boots, artfully placed so as to rest on the door, which had been standing ajar, descended on his head; and the next instant, on his taking one step forward, he came in contact with a stout string, so skilfully fastened, as not only to throw him sharply on the floor, but, being cunningly connected with the fire-irons and the washing-stand, it brought down these articles also with a great crash and much confusion. Before he could arise from his painful position, Tommy and Harry had rushed up-stairs to render to their revered preceptor what assistance was in their power. Being questioned as to the hand they had had in this strange affair, Master Tommy, with becoming modesty, acknowledged that it was he who had devised the scheme. "And," said he, "I protest I think it is no inadequate representation of what must have been the consequence in several houses during the Eruption of Mount Vesuvius in the Last Days of Pompeii."
So saying, both the boys withdrew themselves rapidly from their beloved tutor's apartment, and locked themselves into their own rooms. Soon after this, they were all in a sound slumber, which lasted until a late hour on the following morning.
A QUESTION FOR THE SHIRES.
"Now, Dear, which do you Prefer for the 'Tops'?—the Deeper Shade, or very Palest Pink?"
VINDICTIVE TEUTONS.
There is a good deal of talk in France about revenge to be taken one of these days upon the Germans for having repelled and beaten their invaders. In the meanwhile, according to the Post, those barbarous Germans are trying to revenge themselves, in their heavy way, on the enemies who have been twitting them with stealing clocks and watches, by an—