ds, pursued mechanically in that strange
condition of pleasing stupor, had reduced the exaggerated distensions
of the bulbous head-gear. A stout, energetic push set the diver free,
and he was drawn to the surface dazed, drowsy, and only half conscious
of the peril undergone. But with the rush of fresh, untainted air to
the lungs came an emotion of gratitude to the Giver of life and the
full consciousness of escape.

And this sums up my sketch illustrative of the peculiar character of
marine life, and the hazards of submarine adventure, hitherto known to
few, for--well, for _divers_ reasons.

WILL WALLACE HARNEY.

CONFIDENTIAL.

My ear has ever been considered public property for private usage. I
cannot call to mind the time when I was not somebody's confidante,
the business beginning as far back as the winter I ran down to Aunt
Rally's to receive my birthday-party of sweet or bitter sixteen, as
will appear.

Ralph Romer was the first to spread the news of my arrival in the
village among the girls of my own age. Ralph Romer it was who had
braved the dangers of "brier and brake" to find the bright holly
berries with which Aunt Hally had decorated the cheery little parlor
for the occasion; and it was with Ralph Romer I danced the oftenest on
that famous night.

"Wouldn't I just step out on the porch a short little minute," he
whispered as he came around in the rear of Aunt Hally to bid me
good-night, ending the whisper, according to the style of all
boy-lovers, "I've got something to tell you."

The door stood open and conveniently near, and I suppose I wanted to
see how high the snow had drifted since dark; and, a better reason
still, I couldn't afford to let Ralph take my hand off with him; and
so I had to go out on the porch just long enough to get it back,
while he said: "Ettie Moore says she loves me, and we are going to
correspond when I go back to college; and as you know all lovers
and their sweethearts must have a confidante to smuggle letters and
valentines across the lines, we have both chosen you for ours. Oh, I
was so afraid you wouldn't come!"

I found the snow had drifted--well, I don't believe I knew how many
inches.

I have not promised a recital of all my auricular experiences. Enough
to say, that in time I settled down into the conviction that it was
my special mission to be the receptacle of other people's secrets; and
they seemed determined to convince me that they thought so too.