I went to the station with a view of returnin' to town on the
cars.

"This way, Sir," said the guard; "here you ar," and he pinted to
a first-class carriage, the sole ockepant of which was a rayther
prepossessin' female of about 30 summers.

"No, I thank you," I earnestly replied, "I prefer to walk."

I am, dear Sir,
Very respectivly yours,
Artemus WArd.

5.3. THE GREEN LION AND OLIVER CROMWELL.

MR. PUNCH: My Dear Sir,--It is now two weeks since a rayther
strange lookin man engaged 'partments at the Green Lion. He
stated he was from the celebrated United States, but beyond this
he said nothin. He seem'd to prefer sollytood. He remained
mostly in his room, and whenever he did show hisself he walkt in
a moody and morose manner in the garding, with his hed bowed down
and his arms foldid across his brest. He reminded me sumwhat of
the celebrated but onhappy "Mr. Haller," in the cheerful play of
"The Stranger." This man puzzled me. I'd been puzzled afore
several times, but never so severally as now. Mine Ost of the
Greenlion said I must interregate this strange bein, who claimed
to be my countryman.

"He hasn't called for a drop of beer since he's been in this ere