il the book? And it has all happened because I was naughty
and couldn't be taken. I think they had better take me next time, Mr.
Beresford, whatever I've done;" and a humorous look sparkled into Bab's
eyes.

"And the fairies came and talked to you? But do you know it was not
really a fairy, Bab? You were fast asleep, for I saw you myself; you
must have been dreaming."

"Oh dear! And was not it a fairy? then it was just a common dance I had
under the tree. But do you know I'm not quite sorry, for she was not
half as nice as fairies are; and that was not really a Blackame, was it?
Well, I'm sorry I could call up a bad fairy, only I do wish I had really
been dancing for birds."

"I wish you were not so often in disgrace, little Bab."

"So do I; but I don't _think_ I shall be next year. Father and mother
are coming home then from the Mauritius, and I shall be an own little
girl again."

Mr. Beresford kissed Bab affectionately when she said that, but Bab did
not know why he kissed her.

A HELPING HAND.

[Illustration: A HELPING HAND. (_p. 345_).]

Frank's road to school leads over ways
Where yet no trains approach,
And past the Yellow Dragon Inn,
Where stops the Dirleton coach:
Here the old horses, Duke and Ned,
Are daily watered, changed, and fed.

Frank knows them well, and one hot day,
As whistling home he sped,
He saw the patched old feeding-bag
That hung at Neddy's head
Fell too far down--Ned vainly tried
To reach the yellow corn inside.

No one was near--Ned tossed his head,
And strove, but still in vain,
Hungry as any horse might be,
To seize the tempting grain;
Frank checked his headlong homeward course,
And then approached the wearied horse.

With quick light hands he raised the bag,
And made the strappings tight;
Ned hid his nose among the corn,
And softly neighed delight.
For Frank it was sufficient prize
To read his thanks in Ned's bright eyes.

ROBERT RICHARDSON.

SOME FAMOUS RAILWAY TRAINS AND THEIR STORY.

_By_ HENRY FRITH.

IV.--THE CONTINENTAL MAIL AND "TIDAL" TRAINS.

We have to travel in two important trains now, and within twenty-four
hours will make two trips, the one by night, the other by day. Hitherto,
we have been standing with our drivers in full daylight, looking at the
pleasant country, and thinking of many historical events as we pass. Now
we have to mount our engine at night, and go all