[_But, at this awful prospect, consternation seizes the men.
CHALMERS (the host) makes frantic signs to his wife, who
(having, somehow, been "squared") affects not to see. A few
desperate attempts are made to express a polite joy; but the
lunch languishes, and, darkness closet over the melancholy
scene._

* * * * *

A NAVAL INQUIRY.--_The Howe_ and the why?

* * * * *

THE VANISHING RUPEE.--A CRY FROM INDIA.

_A Colonel laments the disappearance of the Rupee, and shows how,
whenever he had a step up in his Regiment (each time growing in
importance and having more calls on his purse), the Rupee at once took
a step down, decreasing in importance and reputation._

[Illustration: I.--SUBALTERN.]

As a "Sub," free from family ties,
With constant "fivers" from the Pater,
The Rupee I thought a goodly size,
Though once its value was much greater.

[Illustration: II.--CAPTAIN.]

Raised to Captain's rank, it so fell out