t words. The lad
whom he had encouraged rose soon afterwards to be prefect of his school,
and, as we know, became in after years a very distinguished man, and
possibly the first real start he had in life was this little piece of
encouragement.

E. D.

TRAVELLERS' TALES.

They say there is a country where snowstorms never fall,
And sliding is a game they never knew:
They never saw a lake
Paved with ice that wouldn't break--
I would rather stay in England, wouldn't you?

They say there is a country where the bright sun never sets,
But still continues shining all night through;
And you needn't go to bed,
For there's always light o'er head--
That's a country I should like, wouldn't you?

They say there is a country where the people all talk French--
I can't imagine what they ever do!
For who amid their chatter
Could understand such patter?
I should answer 'Speak in English,' wouldn't you?

They say there is a country where the women cannot walk,
And everything is made out of bamboo,
And the people's eyes are wee,
And they live on rice and tea--
I should like to go and see them, wouldn't you?

They say there is a country where the elephants are wild,
And never even heard about our Zoo;
And through the woods they roam
Like gentlemen at home--
I should like to go and see them, wouldn't you?

F. W. H.

THE BOY TRAMP.

(_Continued from page 127._)

After a few minutes' useless waiting, and wishing that I might have
accompanied Jacintha and Dick into the house, I turned my back towards
Colebrook Park and set out in the direction of the town, which I entered
by a steep hill. The hill brought me into the middle of the High Street,
at about half-past four in the afternoon, and my attention was soon
absorbed by the fresh surroundings. In the street was a constant stream
of well-dressed persons, there were good shops, many carriages, and I
stood at the corner wondering which way to turn. Every now and then I
put my hand into my pocket to make certain the money was safe, and at
last I began to feel a certain sense of recklessness, as if I had now
the power to launch out into extravagance. To tell the truth it seemed
difficult to be in possession of such a sum without immediately looking
out for something to buy, and indeed there were several