pulling ropes, reefing and furling sails. Probably the horse marines
reef topsails on horseback. In the absence of opposing testimony we
accept his theory, and are greatly pleased to find that the equestrian
sailor finally escapes being wrecked on the lower row of benches, and so
meeting a watery grave among the sawdust, while his horse slowly
founders beneath him.

I remark to MARGARET, while this daring act of marine horsemanship in
progress, that "I hope the horse won't founder"--meaning to pun on the
latter word.

But I am overheard by a horsey person in the neighborhood, who replies,
"That horse hain't got a symptom of foundering. LENT keeps his horses in
too good condition for that."

And I to him, in a light and jocose manner--"LENT keeps them so well fed
that they never keep Lent themselves, I suppose."

But the horsey person does not see my joke,--thus proving that he shares
a dulness of perception that I have too often noticed, even among my
friends. So I mercifully give him one more chance and say: "I suppose
Mr. LENT keeps all the fast horses, so that they never have to keep fast
themselves." But he gruffly answers, "You think yourself smart, don't
you? You ain't, though, and you'd better keep yourself mighty quiet." I
agree with him in the latter opinion, and relapse into a dignified
silence.

Presently the "Antipodal Brothers" begin their fraternal gymnastics. I
again feel the spirit of speculation strong within me, and say to
MARGARET, "Why are gymnasts always born in couples? Why couldn't the