the uncommonly vulgar
exclamation, "Art be blowed! we'll show you some science!" struck the
unfortunate man a violent blow on the nose with his clenched fist.

How the scene might have ended but for the sudden intervention of
MULVANEY and his companions, I cannot say. In the strangest dialect,
and with the most uncouth oaths, they literally "went for" the Three
Boating Men. The aquatic champions were completely demolished by the
Soldiers Three.

In the words of the butler, "Their shirt-fronts were crumpled 'orrid."
The three youths, in a pitiable state, left the house with the
Princess, and went off all together in a droschki, the driver of which
wore a badge on which was inscribed, "JOSEF HATTONSKI. By Order of the
CZAR." DORIAN had already escaped, bearing on his handsome countenance
the impress of fists and the stains of flattened mince-pies.

For my own part ... I don't know how I managed to get away. I suppose
I must have been rendered insensible by a candlestick which was thrown
at me. At all events, I found myself on the floor, having tumbled out
of bed ... But how I had ever got to bed I do not remember. It may
be I shall never discover the truth of it all. Stay!--had I been
hypnotised? If so, when, where, and by whom?

* * * * *

AN ANTI-HISS-TRIONIC BIRD.

A "PAR" in the _Daily News_ last Thursday told how the Antipodaeans had
presented Miss NELLIE FARREN with "a Laughing Jackass." What a time
he'll have of it! Always in fits, and perhaps the merry bird will at
last "die o' laughin'"! For it is a biped and not a quadruped; not
that as a biped "the Laughing Jackass" is by any means a _lusus
naturae_. This bird, not probably unfamiliar with the "'Oof Bird" of
sporting circles, is, it is said, "a foe to snakes." Excellent omen
this for Miss FARREN. Laughter everywhere, and no hissing permitted.
If hissing heard anywhere, up starts the Laughing Jackass and down
he comes on the snake, and there's an end of the hissing. Theatrical
Managers would do well to cultivate the Laughing Jackasses, and keep a
supply always on the premises.

* * * * *

'ARRY ON ARRIUS.

_WITH SOME CONSIDERATION CONCERNING COMPULSORY CLASSICS._

[Illustration]

DEAR CHARLIE,--O, _ain't I_ a daisy? Excuse your old pal busting forth;
But my name's going hup like a rocket; it's spreading east, west, south,
and north.
Like that darned hinfluenza, but more so;