hairbreadth 'scape on the plains of Texas, even though
the gambler wears a top-hat instead of sheepskin
trousers."--_Manchester Guardian_.

The writer understates the case. The substitution of a top-hat for
trousers would add a piquancy of its own to the situation.

* * * * *

FAITH AND DOUBT IN THE FATHERLAND.

News of triumph, very cheering,
Fills our marrows full of sap,
News of FALKENHAYN careering
Right across Roumania's map,
Tales of corn to swell our tummies, tales of golden oil to tap.

Everywhere we go victorious
Over earth and on the blue;
More and more superbly glorious
Ring the deeds we dare and do,
Till they sound almost too splendid to be absolutely true.

Here and there, indeed, a sceptic
Mutters language rather rude;
Here and there a wan dyspeptic,
Yielding to a peevish mood,
Wonders why a winning nation finds itself so short of food.

When carillons rock the steeple