on edge. He was about to address a few remarks to the Committee when
they tactfully withdrew, leaving him alone with the instrument.

For a few seconds he was silent. The machine rasped unchallenged
through a dozen revolutions. Then he took a deep breath and, leaning
forward, thrust his head into the yawning mouth of the trumpet.

* * * * *

His Worship has sampled the record. The session was a secret one, but
the Town has been given to understand that the disc has been sealed up
and put away for the use of posterity only.

* * * * *

[Illustration: "HERE, STICK YOUR HEAD DOWN, CHARLIE."

"WHAT--IS THERE AN ORDER COME ROUND ABOUT IT?"]

* * * * *

COMMERCIAL CANDOUR.

Letter recently received from a firm of drapers:--

"Madam,--With reference to your blue Silk Mackintosh, our
manufacturers have given the garment in question a thorough
testing, and find that it is absolutely waterproof. If you will
wear it on a dry day, and then take it off and examine it you
will see that our statement is correct.