of railway laid down by George Stevenson has grown to
over twenty thousand miles, making about two hundred and fifty miles
every year for eighty years. It is pleasant to know that both Mr. Pease
and his engineer lived to see more than their greatest dreams realised.

JOHN LEA.

[Illustration: The first Railway Journey in England.]

[Illustration: "'What is the matter?' I asked him."]

ROUND THE CAMP-FIRE.

By HAROLD ERICSON.

III.--IN THE JAWS OF DEATH.

[Illustration]

'A tiger is my subject to-night,' said Ralph Denison, when his turn came
round again, 'since you said you liked my adventure among the
lion-whelps. I don't know exactly why, but I would always rather deal
with a lion than with a tiger; he seems somehow to appeal to me, as a
fellow-sportsman, more than a tiger does.'

'Hear, hear,' Vandeleur chimed in; 'I quite agree.'

'Though, mind you,' Ralph continued, 'I think the tiger is quite as
plucky, taking him all round.'

'As a rule, yes,' said Vandeleur; 'but I have known lions attack a human
camp at night, and I don't fancy any tiger would do that, so long as
there was a fire burning.'

'Nor a lion either,' laughed Ralph.

'Excuse me, I have known them do it,' said Vandeleur; 'and I will tell
you about it one of these evenings.'

'Get on with your story, Ralph,' growled Bobby; 'arguments are against
the rules.'

Ralph laughed, and proceeded.

* * * * *

I was in India at the time (he said), and stationed at Fuzzanpore,
pretty dull and longing for a change or some sort of excitement to
relieve the monotony of my work, when a letter came from a great friend
of mine, Charlie Eccles, who sent me an invitation which made my mouth
water.

'I'm going on a month's leave,' Charlie wrote, 'shooting; the sport will
be mostly snipe and other small game, but there's a chance of tigers.
Now, I know you are a busy man---- '

Bobby laughed rudely when Ralph quoted these words. 'I say, Ralph, your
friend couldn't really have written that,' he said. '_You_ a busy man! I
can't imagine you ever doing any work!'

Ralph looked offended. 'I should like you to be aware,' he observed,
with much majesty, 'that before my uncle left me the income which I now
enjoy, I worked very hard indeed as a tea-planter.'

'Sorry,' laughed Bobby--'my mistake. You don't look like a chap who has
been overworked; does he, Vandeleur?'

Ralph ignored the jest, and continued his quota