t wheel's rim;
And straight was a fine of gold for him,
And the need of a brand-new bike for me.

* * * * *

Illustration: "IF DOUGHTY DEEDS MY LADY PLEASE"

"Mamma! Mr. White says he is longing to give you your first bicycle
lesson!"

* * * * *

A WISH

(_By a Wild Wheelman. A long way after Rogers_)

Mine be a "scorch" without a spill,
A loud "bike" bell to please mine ear;
A chance to maim, if not to kill,
Pedestrian parties pottering near.

My holloa, e'er my prey I catch,
Shall raise wild terror in each breast;
If luck or skill that prey shall snatch
From my wild wheel, the shock will test.

On to the bike beside my porch
I'll spring, like falcon on its prey,
And Lucy, on _her_ wheel shall "scorch,"
And "coast" with me the livelong day.

To make old women's marrow freeze
Is the best sport the bike has given.
To chase them as they puff and wheeze,
On rubber tyre--by Jove, 'tis heaven!

* * * * *

THE BIKER BIKED

Henpeck'd he was. He learnt to bike.
"Now I can go just where I like,"
He chuckled to himself. But she
Had learnt to bike as well as he,
And, what was more, had bought a new
Machine to sweetly carry two.
Ever together now they go,
He sighing, "This is wheel _and_ woe."

* * * * *

Illustration: "WHERE IGNORANCE IS BLISS," &c.

_He_ (_alarmed by the erratic steering_). "Er--and have you driven
much?"

_She_ (_quite pleased with herself_). "Oh, no--this is only my second
attempt. But then, you see, I have been used to a _bicycle_ for years!"

* * * * *

Illustration: MISUNDERSTOOD

_Donald_ (_who has picked up fair cyclist's handkerchief_). "Hi! Woman!
Woman!"

_Fair Cyclist_ (_indignantly_). "'Woman'! How _dare_ you----"

_Donald_ (_out of breath_). "I beg your pardon, sir! I thought you was a
woman. I didna see your _trews_."

* * * * *

Automobile dust-carts, says the _Matin_, are to be used in Paris
henceforth. We had thought every motor-car was this.

* * * * *

Illustration: ENGLISH DICTIONARY ILLUSTRATED.--"Coincidence." The
falling or meeting of two or more lines or bodies at the same point.

* * * * *

REFLECTIONS OF A MOTOR-RACER

Two A.M.