arranging satisfactorily the requirements of the Commissariat."

"One moment, Gentlemen," I replied, and then entered an inner recess.
I searched my pockets, and finding my tossing half-crown, spun it into
the air. I eagerly ascertained the result.

"We will advance, Sir," said I to the Chief of the Staff on my
return. And my tone suggested both strong determination and peremptory
command.

* * * * *

LULLABY OF AN INFANT SPECULATOR.

1891.

(_A LONG WAY AFTER SIR WALTER SCOTT._)

[Packets called "Lucky Sweets," in which the bait is the
chance of "prize gifts," are having a large sale amongst
children.]

[Illustration]

Oh, hush thee, my babie! thy sire is a "bear,"[1]
Thy mother a "booky," both leary and fair,
And the spirit of bold Speculation, I see,
Heredity's taint hath stirred early in thee.
Oh, two to one bar one! Heigh! dance, babie, dance!
Oh, tiddley-um, diddley-um, back the off-chance!