Chapter XXIV: Phil Ryder Pays a Debt (2)

The standard of performance of New York school athletes has improved so rapidly within the past few years that it is very difficult now to make any very definite prophecy as to what men will win events at the big Interscholastic meetings. This year the struggle for the cup will probably be between Berkeley and Cutler's, with the chances largely in favor of the former, Barnard's team not being so strong as it was either last year or the year before. For individual winners next Saturday, I think it is reasonably certain to count on Moore of Barnard to take first in the 100, with Harris of Cutler's second. Both men have done 10-2/5 in smaller games this spring, and with this in view we may hope to see Wendell Baker's 10-2/5 record, which has stood so many years, go by the board. The junior event for the same distance will be a close thing between Wilson of Barnard and Leech of Cutler's, the former having won the event in '94, and the latter having won it last year. Armstead of Berkeley will get a place, but I doubt if he does better than third.

Moore is beyond any doubt the best sprinter in the New York association, and will score a double win by taking the 220, unless something unforeseen occurs. Irwin-Martin of Berkeley should be second, with Washburn a close third. There is little room for doubt that Martin will be an easy winner in the quarter, for that is his special event, and Draper of Cutler's will come in second if Hipple of Barnard does not crowd him out. It is possible, however, that White of Berkeley, who has developed great speed of late, may overthrow these place calculations, and take three more points in the event for Berkeley. Hipple is a man that Barnard must depend on for a good many points, and as he will be especially depended upon to take the half-mile, it is possible that he may not run in the quarter, or, if he does, he may save himself and only try for a place. He is sure to break the record in the half, and if these two races do not tire him too much he ought to make a place in the mile, for he broke the scholastic record for that distance in the Trinity games only a few weeks ago.

Clark of Condon's is a good man to look to for second in the half-mile. Bedford of Barnard has not been doing very good work this year, but unless Turner of Cutler's develops unexpected speed and Hipple unforeseen endurance, he stands an excellent chance of scoring five points in the mile run. The high hurdles will go to Beers of De la Salle, with Bien of Berkeley second. The low hurdles are a fairly sure thing for Harris of Cutler's, with the other two places in dispute among O'Rourke of Trinity, Beers, and Bien. Walker of Berkeley should come in first in the walk, if he can maintain the form he has been displaying all winter, with Blum of Sachs' second.

In the field events, Irwin-Martin of Berkeley will probably score another win for his school by taking the hammer, while the shot will probably also go to Berkeley with Young. Taves of Trinity may be counted upon for places in both events. No one will approach the record established by Baltazzi last year in the high jump, but Pell of Berkeley will probably clear the greatest height, with Wenman of Drisler's and Brown of Columbia Grammar behind him. In the broad jump Pell also stands an excellent chance to get first place, unless Harris develops unexpected ability, and Beers may be able to take the other place. I think we may count upon seeing the pole-vaulting record broken by Hulburt, who has been surpassing himself and everybody else in the open games this spring. The bicycle race will probably go to Cutler's.

INTERSCHOLASTIC RECORDS

Corrected to May 1, 1896.

Event. Record.
100-yard dash 10-1/5 sec.
220-yard dash 22-2/5 "
440-yard run 50-3/5 "
Half-mile run 2 m. 4-1/5 "
Mile run 4 " 34-2/5 "
Mile walk 7 " 17-3/5 "
120-yard hurdle (3 ft. 6 in.) 17 "
220-yard hurdle (2 ft. 6 in.) 26-1/2 "
Mile bicycle 2 " 34-1/5 "
Two-mile bicycle 5 " 18-2/5 "
Running high jump 5 ft. 11 in.
Running broad jump 21 " 7 "
Pole vault 10 " 7 "
Throwing 12-lb. hammer 125 "
Throwing 16-lb. hammer 111 " 10 "
Putting 12-lb. shot 40 " 3/4 "
Putting 16-lb. shot 39 " 3 "

Event. Maker.
100-yard dash F. H. Bigelow.
220-yard dash F. H. Bigelow.
440-yard run T. E. Burke.
Half-mile run J. A. Meehan.
Mile run W. T. Laing.
Mile walk A. N. Butler.
120-yard hurdle (3 ft. 6 in.) E. C. Perkins.
220-yard hurdle (2 ft. 6 in.) Field.
Mile bicycle I. A. Powell.
Two-mile bicycle Baker.
Running high jump S. A. W. Baltazzi.
Running broad jump Cheek.
Pole vault B. Johnson.
Throwing 12-lb. hammer R. F. Johnson.
Throwing 16-lb. hammer F. G. Beck.
Putting 12-lb. shot A. C. Ayres.
Putting 16-lb. shot M. O'Brien.

Event. School.
100-yard dash Worcester H.-S.
220-yard dash Worcester H.-S.
440-yard run Boston English H.-S.
Half-mile run Condon, N. Y.
Mile run Phillips Academy, Andover.
Mile walk Hillhouse H.-S., New Haven.
120-yard hurdle (3 ft. 6 in.) Hartford H.-S.
220-yard hurdle (2 ft. 6 in.) Hartford H.-S.
Mile bicycle Cutler, N. Y.
Two-mile bicycle Hotchkiss, Lakeville, Conn.
Running high jump Harvard, N. Y.
Running broad jump Oakland, Cal., H.-S.
Pole vault Worcester Academy.
Throwing 12-lb. hammer Brookline H.-S.
Throwing 16-lb. hammer Hillhouse H.-S., New Haven.
Putting 12-lb. shot Condon, N. Y.
Putting 16-lb. shot Boston English H.-S.

Event. Time and Place.
100-yard dash N.E.I.S.A.A. games, 1894.
220-yard dash N.E.I.S.A.A. games, 1894.
440-yard run N.E.I.S.A.A. games, 1894.
Half-mile run N.Y.I.S.A.A. games, May 11, 1895.
Mile run N.E.I.S.A.A. games, 1894.
Mile walk Conn. H.-S.A.A. games, June 8, 1895.
120-yard hurdle (3 ft. 6 in.) Conn. H.-S.A.A. games, 1894.
220-yard hurdle (2 ft. 6 in.) Conn. H.-S.A.A. games, June 8, 1895.
Mile bicycle N.Y.I.S.A.A. games, May 11, 1895.
Two-mile bicycle Conn. H.-S.A.A. games, June 8, 1895.
Running high jump N.Y.I.S.A.A. games, May 11, 1895.
Running broad jump A.A.L. field day, Oct. 16, 1894.
Pole vault N.E.I.S.A.A. games, June 15, 1895.
Throwing 12-lb. hammer N.E.I.S.A.A. games, 1894.
Throwing 16-lb. hammer Conn. H.-S.A.A. games, June 8, 1895.
Putting 12-lb. shot N.Y.I.S.A.A. games, May 11, 1895.
Putting 16-lb. shot N.E.I.S.A.A. games, 1894.

The accompanying table of Interscholastic records should perhaps not properly be called such, because the records were not made at any single meeting, but are the best performances made at a number of interscholastic meetings in various parts of the country. After the National games, we shall have established regular "Interscholastic" records, but until then these figures must serve that purpose.

THE GRADUATE.

Questions and Answers.

Frank Southard asks if it is possible to come to New York and obtain a position. Yes, of course it is. But Frank ought to bear in mind that there are many young men already here, and that it is always easiest to get a foothold where one is best known. "J. G." should address the publishers when in want of a book. If he does not know their names, apply to a bookseller. All publishers send catalogues upon request, but some demand a few cents for the same, not so much in payment as to debar idle requests. That old question about getting into the academies at West Point and Annapolis has been many times answered. Apply to your member of Congress. He alone has power to appoint you, and he only in case of a vacancy. There may be one cadet only at a time at each academy from each Congressional district. The President has a few appointments, but they are intended for sons of military or naval officers, and are rarely or never given to others. This spring we believe the President has one vacancy to fill, and there are more than one hundred applicants for it.

* * * * *

Answers to Kinks.

No. 4.

No. 1.--Dora. } D O R A No. 2.--Obey. } O B E Y No. 3.--Rear. } STARS. R E A R No. 4.--Ayry. } A Y R Y

No. 5.--Tremor. No. 6.--Invert. No. 7.--Cable. No. 8.--Aspen. No. 9.--Domineer. (STRIPES.)

* * * * *

No. 5.

Apartment. Apart-me(a)nt.

Men tap tar. Men pat rat.

Neat tramp. Men at trap.

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ROUND TABLE

Not only is it excellent in its written text, but artists make its pages artistically beautiful.--_Chicago Inter Ocean_, Feb. 22, 1896.

5 CENTS A COPY -- $2.00 A YEAR

The Editor will be pleased to answer any question on the subject.
Our maps and tours contain much valuable data kindly supplied from
the official maps and road-books of the League of American
Wheelmen. Recognizing the value of the work being done by the
L.A.W., the Editor will be pleased to furnish subscribers with
membership blanks and information so far as possible.

Continuing the suggestion begun last week regarding bicycling in Europe during the summer, a word should be said about France. By all means the cheapest route, considering the comfort, to Paris from New York is by the smaller boats of the Hamburg line, which take nine or ten days to reach Havre. It is possible, however, to get a round-trip ticket from New York to Paris and return, including the ride from Havre to and from Paris by train, first-class, for a little under $100.

The roads of France--that is, the parts which are usually ridden--are in the main superior to any roads in the world for bicycling purposes. The many government military roads are kept in remarkably good condition, and while they are perhaps not as interesting as the English roads, which wind about through the country, they are nevertheless better made in the main, though they go along straight lines. On the whole, for a first trip it would be better to take the train from Havre to Paris, and to start from Paris itself. Bicycling in the city itself is very common, and most of the roads are either macadamized or asphalted. In the vicinity of the city there are some beautiful roads, such as the run out to St. Germain, a somewhat shorter one to St. Denis, and, at the other end of the city, to Versailles. These roads, of course, would be taken first by any tourist.

It then becomes a question whether the wheelman will take the trip through Normandy, or will ride or take the train into the middle of France and wheel through Touraine. Perhaps the pleasantest trip for the summer would be to ride through Normandy. In that case leave Paris, passing through St. Germain, following the Seine through a remarkably beautiful country. The run would carry you through Nantes, Vernon, Louviers, and Elbeuf, whence you may either turn northward to Rouen, to see the city and cathedral, or, keeping on, pass through Pont-l'Evêque, and thence to Trouville. This Normandy coast is covered with summer resorts that are peculiarly French, and very attractive, therefore, to the foreigner seeking new sights. Houlgate, Dieppe, and Honfleur are such places, and will well repay a visit. The trip can then be extended through Caen, across the peninsula to Coutances, to Granville, or it may extend out on the peninsula to Cherbourg, and the return to Paris may be either along the southern edge of Normandy through Alençon, taking in Chartres and Etampes, or the return journey may be made by train if there is not sufficient time to ride it both ways on a bicycle.

It is, of course, impossible in this very limited space to give any idea of the possibilities of France for bicycling, but this trip through Normandy, including the short one-day runs in the vicinity of Paris, will make a three or four or five weeks' bicycling tour that will repay any one for whatever expense he may incur. The southern trip through Touraine will be best made, unless considerable time is at your disposal, by taking the train from Paris for Tours. Starting from there, you should run over different parts of Touraine, visiting the famous castles of that country, such as Blois and Amboise. All this country, like Normandy and the vicinity of Paris, is full of good roads, and a month can be easily spent in riding over Touraine alone. These two districts of France are perhaps the best suited for bicycling, and should be recommended to the wheelman as suitable for his first foreign tour.

H. BERT BLACKWELL.--To train for a half-mile bicycle race, ride on
a track, if possible, or on a good road, ten miles at a reasonably
good rate every day in the week except Sunday. Practise starts
Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday for about twenty minutes, and
Tuesday and Friday ride a half-mile against time, with a
pace-maker, if possible. Two weeks before the race takes place
practise starts for twenty minutes each day, and ride a half-mile
against time four times a week. For diet avoid liquids as much as
possible, except water; eat beef and chops which are moderately
rare, boiled potatoes, and plain vegetables; avoid sweets in the
main, and eat nothing fried. Aside from this, the food question is
not so important as the time of eating, which should be absolutely
regular: breakfast between seven and eight, the same time every
day; a hearty lunch, which should be practically a dinner, at from
half past twelve to one; and a dinner or supper at between six and
half past. Go to bed at ten, and get up at seven. This may well be
considered a severe course of training, and is only for a seasoned
rider.

B. M. WARREN.--Bicycle maps running along the coast of Connecticut
have already been published in the ROUND TABLE. We hope, some time
this summer or in the early fall, to give some of the best routes
through central Connecticut.

E. W. DAVIES.--The best route from Woodstown, New Jersey, to
Trenton, through Philadelphia, is as follows: Leave Woodstown and
proceed to Swedesborough (seven miles), thence to Clarksborough
(six miles), Woodbury (five miles), and Gloucester to the ferry
(four miles), crossing thence to Philadelphia. Leaving
Philadelphia, proceed to Frankfort (seven miles), thence to Bristol
(fifteen miles), and thence to Trenton (nine miles). The road is
moderately good all the way.

Any questions in regard to photograph matters will be willingly
answered by the Editor of this column, and we should be glad to
hear from any of our club who can make helpful suggestions.

FORMULAS FOR COLORING TRANSPARENCIES.

As we have received many inquiries in regard to the colors used in making the tinted transparencies described in No. 857 of the ROUND TABLE, we give the following formulas for preparing the coloring solutions, which are by M. Gachinot, Paris, France, all of which can be successfully used. Having printed the plate according to the directions given, immerse in any of the following solutions till the desired color or tint is obtained:

RED BATH.

Carmine (in grains) 5 parts.
Liquid Ammonia 15 "
Distilled Water 120 "

BLUE BATH.

Prussian Blue 50 parts.
Oxalic Acid 50 "
Distilled Water 120 "

YELLOW BATH.

Gamboge 50 parts.
Saffron 50 "
Distilled Water 150 "

The yellow bath must be boiled for five minutes, and filtered.

VIOLET BATH.

Permanganate of Potash 10 parts
Distilled Water 100 "

GREEN BATH.

Prussian Blue 50 parts.
Oxalic Acid 50 "
Picric Acid 15 "
Distilled Water 150 "

Dissolve by heat.

Aniline colors may also be used, and are both cheap and easily prepared. Dissolve one ounce of any aniline color in ten ounces of distilled water, and immerse the transparency in the solution till the desired tint is obtained. Wash in several changes of water till the whites are clear. Dry in a place free from dust.

SIR KNIGHT R. H. WYLD says that in developing some pictures taken
with a pocket Kodak the pictures came out positive instead of
negative. The picture was overdeveloped. Probably the developer
worked rather slow, and the picture may also have been
under-exposed. The rest of the material will probably be all right
with proper time exposure. Cold sometimes retards the action of the
developer. The temperature of the developer should never be below
65° Fahr. The process for making plain salted paper was described
in Nos. 796 and 803, and was also given in the circular issued last
fall announcing the photographic competition.

J. W. B. encloses two prints, and asks what is the matter with
them. The prints were made too dark, and in order to tone them out
they were overtoned. The negatives are evidently thin, which also
accounts for the gray tone of the print. The blue print formula may
be found in Nos. 797, 823, and 828.

SIR KNIGHT RUSSEL SENIOR asks if different colored inks can be used
to color transparencies, if aristotype prints put in a glycerine
solution to keep them flat injures the gloss when they are ready to
be burnished, and for a simple way to enlarge negatives. The
colored inks are made from aniline colors, and it is better to
prepare the color according to directions given in this paper for
using aniline colors. Glycerine does not affect the polish of the
print. Directions for enlarging may be found in No. 801, March 5,
1895. If you have not a file of the ROUND TABLE, enclose five cents
to Harper and Brothers, and the number will be sent to you. As the
directions occupy all the space devoted to the Camera Club, they
cannot be repeated in "Answers to Queries"; but another paper on
enlarging will be printed in a few weeks for the benefit of our new
members.

SIR KNIGHT LEONARD S. WHITTIER asks if the editor has heard of the
"Quad Camera," and if it is a good camera for five dollars, and also
asks the addresses of firms that manufacture cameras at this price
or less. The "Quad" camera is said to do very good work for so
small a camera. The Eastman Kodak Co., Rochester, N.Y., Kombi
Camera Co., Chicago, Ill., Manhattan Optical Co., Cresskill, N.J.,
are among the firms that manufacture low-priced cameras. A card
sent to Scovill, Adams Co., or E. & H. T. Anthony and Co., New
York, will bring a catalogue of cameras and photographic outfits.

SIR KNIGHT HERSCHEL F. DAVIS wishes a good formula for a
one-solution metol developer, and asks if the exposure should be
shortened when using metol for a developer. A single solution of
metol is made as follows:

Metol 30 grs.
Sodium Sulphite (crystals) 180 "
Potassium Carbonate 90 "
Water 4 oz.

In mixing this developer the potassium carbonate can be left out
till the detail is out, then add the potassium, and leave the plate
in the developer till the required density is gained. One can make
the exposure much shorter with the metol, and this developer is
specially good for under-exposed plates.

This Department is conducted in the interest of Girls and Young
Women, and the Editor will be pleased to answer any question on the
subject so far as possible. Correspondents should address Editor.

So you, my little Irene, are appointed a delegate to a great convention, and mamma has consented to let you go with the other young people to a city half-way across the continent--you who at seventeen have never made a journey except under your mother's care. It is your first flight from the nest, and I do not wonder that you and she both anticipate it with a good deal of thought and some perplexity. To you, of course, the outlook is all roseate; you are sure you will have an enchanting time, and you have no forebodings; but mamma, being older and having experience, feels less at her ease. And yet it is a simple matter to travel under auspices so agreeable as those which belong to Christian Endeavorers when they go to an annual assemblage of their great society.

Resolve beforehand to go equipped lightly as to luggage. A pretty travelling-dress, with an extra waist for any emergency or occasion of ceremony, is all you will require in the way of a gown, and a change of under-clothing will go with the waist in your hand-bag. An oil-silk bag for your sponge, your needful toilet articles, and such trifles as pins, needle and thread, shoe buttons, and light overshoes can easily be compressed into a very small space. An extra pair of gloves should be taken, and a small bottle of camphor or other remedy for sudden indisposition will not be amiss.

On the journey, whether by boat or by train, keep strictly with your own party. There will probably be a number of your friends, very likely your pastor and his wife, in the company, and you must be careful to stay where they stay, and go where they go. You are not an independent traveller. You belong to a party, and must conform to its regulations. Especially when your objective point is a strange city, where you will be thrown among hundreds of people unknown to you, be sure that you do not separate in any way from your own particular group.

Arrived at your destination, you will probably find that quarters have been assigned to you in hospitable homes. Here, as you are received with friendly greetings, do your utmost to prove that you appreciate the kindness shown. Give as little trouble as possible to your entertainers. Every home has its fixed hours for meals, and visitors should be ready at the moment, so that the hostess shall not be embarrassed in her proceedings by any lack of punctuality in theirs. If prayers in the family are before breakfast, be sure that you rise early enough to attend them, and in every point make your visit a pleasure to those who kindly invite you to be a guest beneath their roof.

In visiting a strange place avail yourself of each opportunity for seeing interesting points, for going to see objects of natural interest, museums, libraries, etc., always, however, visiting these with your own party, or with friends who are responsible for your safety.

You will need very little money on such a journey as I am thinking of, your tickets being procured beforehand, and your only requirement being for small change. The funds of the party should be in the hands of one person, selected before starting, who will act as treasurer on the trip, keeping a strict account of her disbursements, so that she may render it at the journey's end.

MARJORIE DAW.--Miss Deland's _Oakleigh_ is, in my opinion, as
entertaining a book as _Little Women_. _The Story of a Short Life_
and _Jackanapes_ were written by Mrs. Ewing, who died some years
ago. _Grandma's Attic Treasures_ is by Mary D. Brine.

MARION D.--Send your invitations for the garden party in the shape
of informal notes, written in the ordinary way. "Dear Alice,--Come
to my party next Saturday afternoon at 4 o'clock. Tea in the
garden," or, "My dear Mary,--Will you give me the pleasure of your
presence at a lawn-party next Saturday at four o'clock, to meet
Miss Elsie Morrow and Miss Nancy Page, of Baltimore." Let your
little note be brief but cordial. It is quite proper to write such
an invitation on one's visiting-card.

CARRIE H. D.--I do not think that a girl should too confidently
depend on her friend's opinion that she can write short stories.
The only way to really test the matter is to send the stories,
written plainly, or type-written, and, of course, on one side of
the paper only, with return postage enclosed, to the editor of a
paper. A girl should read the best stories she can find, and the
best essays and historical sketches too, and be in no haste to
publish. I cannot advise a young girl to go upon the stage. She
should certainly not think of this, unless her parents and teachers
not only fully approve, but also urge her to do so. In my
experience girls of all periods are much alike. I think the girls
of to-day are not at all silly; in some particulars, as in
opportunities for out-door sports, and in excellent health, they
surpass the girls of a few years ago. Girls are fascinating
creatures, and I dearly love them.

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THE DUKE OF ALVA'S HUMILIATION.

THIRD-PRIZE STORY.

BY GEORGE C. HIRST.

The dining-hall of Rudolstadt Castle was the object of much interest one morning in the old war-wearied days of 1547. Behind its curtained doorways maids with straining ears and eyes whispered in consultation. In the kitchen and servants' quarters the guests of the Countess were critically discussed, from their features and dress to their overbearing haughtiness. Old Hans, the butler, was volleyed with questions upon each appearance from the dining-hall, his dignity more impenetrable than the choicest armor in the Netherlands. The Rudolstadt retainers, sitting in the court outside with Dutch sullenness, hated the Spanish masters as they hated sin, under the blankness of their features. One of them paced to and fro with blazing eyes and set jaws, savagely shaking his sword and repeatedly testing its shining point, in refreshing contrast to the calmness of his comrades.

In the hall the Countess of Swarzburg acted hostess to the generals of a victorious army, one of whom had terrorised Europe. Her calm dignity was unmoved by their great condescension and haughty arrogance, and eloquent of the fact that they were her quests and not her conquerors. She was a woman with the iron nerve of a warrior and the courage of the bravest Spaniard in her prostrate land, and she had need to be, with the Duke of Alva and Henry of Brunswick opposite her. They were taking her kindness very much as their due, and regarding the castle as a remarkably good inn. Cold constraint attended the breakfast.

Some months before, the Countess of Swarzburg, knowing that a Spanish army on its way to the Netherlands would pass through her territory, had secured a written promise from the Emperor Philip II. that her subjects should be unmolested by his soldiers. She agreed in return to sell him provisions. When the army arrived she promptly sent the supplies, and invited the Spanish generals to breakfast with her.

During the breakfast she skilfully reminded them of the Emperor's promise, but they apparently did not understand her. As the conversation progressed it became more apparent that they regarded her as a conquered ruler and her services as tribute. She grew more and more angry at their demeanor, and her breeding alone kept her outwardly courteous. She turned the conversation at last to trivial matters, and the breakfast went on smoothly, until a servant came and spoke to her. Then she calmly arose.

"Excuse me, gentlemen," she said. "I must leave you a few moments. Your wants shall have attention by my servants here," and without awaiting their reply she left the room.

In the court her manner changed. She closely questioned her servants, and then sent for her retainers and deliberately placed a number of them at each of the doors leading to the hall. "On no account," she instructed them, "permit either of the gentlemen within to leave the room." Then she went below.

A pitiful story awaited her. A number of her people were clustered in a group with looks of despair and misery. The Spanish soldiers had driven off their cattle, and they had seen the results of years of labor depart in a few brief moments. Cattle then represented far more than now, when life was a desperate struggle with the cold and hunger. Hard was the life of the peasant, and the poor Thuringians, who loved their motherly Countess, gathered around her as sheep around a shepherd in a winter storm. She felt their need of her and determined to help them, but despite her great indignation did not lose her presence of mind.

Ordering them all well provided with food, she told them to return to their homes, and there await the stolen cattle which she would see were returned. Then she noiselessly gathered her armed retainers about the several doorways leading to the breakfast-hall. The soldier who had restlessly paced the court and cursed the Spaniards was in advance, and his eyes were hungry and his breath came hard. The Countess entered the room, and calmly seated herself at the table, facing the Duke.

"Gentlemen," she said, "a few moments ago I spoke of the promise of your Emperor, that my subjects should be unmolested by his soldiers. I have just learned that it has been broken. Your men have taken my people's cattle, which are necessary to them. Of course, you knew nothing of this, and my messenger here will carry your orders to return them." She was icily polite, and the command in her last words was more than a Spaniard could take.

"Your messenger is kind," the Duke observed.

"My dear Countess," said Henry of Brunswick, "do not allow the loss of a few cattle, peasants' cattle, to disturb you. How little a woman knows of war, to be sure! Why, soldiers are prone to roughness even in their own land, and a few such escapades cannot be prevented. The Duke and myself sincerely regret the occurrence, and will do our best to stop them in the future."

She looked from one to the other. "Am I to understand, then, that the Emperor's orders have no weight with you?" she asked, angrily.

"As you like," said Alva.

"And that you will not restore to my people their own?"

"It is impossible," explained Brunswick.

"Then, as God lives, princes' blood shall pay for oxen's!"

And from the doors the curtains parted, and the flashing of swords cut the light. The tramp of heavy feet resounded in the castle, and without a word a score of tall brawny warriors encircled the table and enclosed the generals. Behind the chair of Alva, unnoticed, stood the restless soldier, his face, his arms, his body, afire with hate. They say that gaunt, patient, hungry revenge is of the South, that the Northman never feels it, but when a man has lost wife, children, home, peace, liberty, and he sees the instrument of all before him--Heaven shall lightly judge his deed in such a moment!

"Say the word! say the word!" he muttered again and again, pressing hard on his sword.

Drawn by Edmund F. Webber, Winner of Second Prize in Drawing Competition.]

The Duke and Brunswick looked at each other in dismay. Beyond a doubt they were caught. Cut off from communication with their soldiers, they were powerless before the solid wall of men around them. Across the table the pale, determined face of the Countess showed full of purpose. For once a Spaniard's word was unsupported by an army, and Alva's nerve left him. There was a momentary, awkward pause, and then Brunswick came to the rescue.

He burst into a long laugh. "Upon my soul," he roared, "a good joke, an excellent piece of humor! You have surprised me, Countess. I was not aware you Northern people possessed our Spanish wit. What fine retainers! Duke, the messenger of the Countess is here, with an excellent guard to attend him. Do not keep him waiting for your messages."

The Duke hesitated a moment, and then joined Brunswick in what was the best way out of the matter. The Countess ordered her retainers from the room, but the intermittent clanks of armor from the court without were significant.

The Countess detained the generals until she received news that the cattle had been returned and that the Spaniards were marching from her dominions. She knew that they did not dare return and punish her, for they were urgently needed in the Netherlands. Then she politely sent her guests away, to curse her during all the long ride to their soldiers. But curses could not restore the broken self-satisfaction of Alva, nor hide the fact he had been conquered by a woman.

This Department is conducted in the interest of stamp and coin
collectors, and the Editor will be pleased to answer any Question
on these subjects so far as possible. Correspondents should address
Editor Stamp Department.

In compound perforated stamps the rule is to quote the perforations in the following order: top, bottom, left side, right side.

The _Straits Budget_, published in Singapore, states that the new Malay Federation scheme contemplates a further change in the colors of the postage-stamps, and it is not improbable that the new tiger's head will disappear for good.

The "Boris" stamps of Bulgaria are purely speculative. The Bulgarian Parliament wished to present the young Prince Boris, on the occasion of his baptism into the orthodox Greek Church, with a sum of money equal to $100,000, and, not having the money in the Treasury, devised the scheme of making a set of stamps for sale to collectors. It is very gratifying to hear that the scheme has not proved a success.

A report comes from Japan that the government will issue two new stamps, one bearing the portrait of Marshal Arisugawa, the other that of Prince Kitashirawika. Both Generals distinguished themselves in the late war with China.

The French philatelic papers have lately given much attention to the "Balloon" letters sent out of Paris during the winter of 1870-71, when the German army was besieging the city. No special stamps were used, but a special post-mark was stamped on each envelope. Hence they are not stamps nor stamped envelopes; but they have a special interest of their own, and many philatelists admit them in their albums. Statistics show that 64 balloons were sent out, conveying 64 aeronauts, 91 passengers, 363 pigeons, 5 dogs, and about three million letters. Five of the balloons were captured, by the Germans, and two were driven to the ocean and lost.

In view of the disagreeable taste of the gum on the U.S. stamps, some wags have proposed to flavor the gum with liquorice, sassafras, etc. The only objections made so far is that the stamps, if made too agreeable, would be chewed up by the users.

The difficulty in seeing the water-marks on the current U.S. stamps has led to the suggestion that possibly the water-marks might be shown by Röntgen X rays. It is high time our government should either revert to the plain paper, or make paper showing the water-mark on each stamp.

The work of the S.S.S.S. has done something to reduce the number of such issues, but it seems to have resulted in some degree also in reducing the number of new collectors. A reaction is now taking place, and some philatelists advocate the abandonment of the committee, leaving each person free to collect or reject such stamps as he may prefer.

Old Greek gold coins are as eagerly sought for as ever, and very few new copies are found in excavations, tombs, etc. Mr. H. Montague for many years collected all the fine and rare copies he could purchase. His collection has just been sold, and the 816 coins brought $44,884. Among the highest prices were an Athenian gold stater, B.C. 88, with the head of Athene Parthenos wearing the triple-crested helmet, $830, only three of these staters being known; a tetradrachm of Nabis of Lacedæmon, $580; an old stater of the Arcadian League, with the head of Zeus Lykæos in high relief, $695; one of Tarentum, with the head of Demeter, $500: a silver stater of Croton, with a nude figure of Herakles on the reverse, $375; an oktadrachm of Alexander the Great, $450; a stater of Pheneus, with a naked running Hermes on the reverse, $575, and one of Alexander II., Zebena of Syria, $825. Very few specimens of these old Greek coins have been brought to America.

D. W. W.--Practically all the unperforated U. S. Revenues are on
"old paper," but the paper varied in thickness and in color. The
"silk" paper was used in some of the perforated stamps. They are
quite scarce. The second and third issues of the U.S. Revenues and
the Proprietary stamps were printed on "pink" paper, "violet"
paper, and "green" paper. Unless a collector has lots of money to
spend, I would advise him not to bother about papers, but take
every stamp according to design only. Part perforated stamps are
those which have perforations on two sides only. These are to be
collected in unsevered pairs only.

L. H. B.--The 1837 dime is quoted by dealers at 35c. No dealer's
address can be given in this column.

E. FRIEND, Columbus.--See answer to L. H. B.

F. HAMM, 4127 Mantua Ave., Philadelphia, RICHARD STARKE, East
Islip, New York, EDISON B. COUNCIL, Council, N.C., wish to exchange
stamps.

B. W. LEAVITT.--You can buy a beautiful 1894 dollar from dealers
for $1.50.

H. P. D.--Lithographed stamps are those printed from stones;
engraved, those printed from steel-plates; wood-cuts, those printed
from engraved wood blocks; typographed, those printed from relief
plates. Your Mexican is a revenue stamp. The three triangles of
1894 U.S. 2c. stamps are all slightly different. In No. 1 the
horizontal lines run across the ornaments. No. 2 is like No. 1
except that the lines running across the ornament are thinner than
No. 1. In No. 3 the lines do not cross the frame.

W. T. MCCLINTOCK.--See answer to H. P. D.

PHILATUS.

Babies whose mothers use common soaps, fret
Chafed and uneasy: but this little pet,
Thanks to pure Ivory, contentedly lies,
Soothed into slumber with soft lullabies.

Copyrighted, 1896, by The Procter & Gamble Co., Cin'ti.

Too simple to get out of order; too strong to break; hooks and unhooks _easily_--when you please--not before.

The DeLONG

Hook and Eye

See that

hump?

RICHARDSON & DELONG BROS,

Philadelphia,

makers of the

CUPID Hairpin.

It cannot slip out of the hair.

HOOPING

COUGH

CROUP

_Can be cured_

by using

ROCHE'S HERBAL

EMBROCATION

The celebrated and effectual English cure, without internal medicine. W. EDWARD & SON, Props., London, Eng. Wholesale, E. FOUGERA & CO., New York

Hold their place in the front rank of the publications to which they belong.--_Boston Journal_, Feb. 19, 1896.

HARPER'S

PERIODICALS

MAGAZINE, $4.00 A YEAR
WEEKLY, $4.00 A YEAR
BAZAR, $4.00 A YEAR
ROUND TABLE, $2.00 A YEAR

TWO NEW BOOKS

FOR BOYS

FOR KING OR COUNTRY.

A Story of the Revolution. By JAMES BARNES. Illustrated. Post 8vo,
Cloth, Ornamental, $1.50.

This is a story for young readers, and recounts the adventures of twin brothers who are brought up, just prior to the Revolution, in an American Tory family. One of the brothers becomes imbued with the spirit of American patriotism, and is one of the first to enlist in the service of his country; while the other, having been taken to England, obtains a lieutenant's commission in the English army, and sails with his regiment to fight under the standard of King George. The story is a strong piece of character drawing, and the interest centres in the struggles of the two brothers--one in his loyalty to his country and the other in his loyalty to his king.

TOMMY TODDLES.

By ALBERT LEE. Illustrated by PETER S. NEWELL. Square 16mo, Cloth,
Ornamental, $1.25.

A more entertaining collection of nonsense has rarely been penned.--_Boston Traveller._

There is an endless amount of fun in "Tommy Toddles."--_N. Y. Times._

Just the book for children, and grown people will find plenty of fun in it.--_N. Y. Sun._

It is abounding in side shaking absurdities, and told so well and so seriously that older readers will enjoy it as much as the young folks.--_Chicago Inter-Ocean._

* * * * *

HARPER & BROTHERS, Publishers, New York.

* * * * *

It was at a country election that the following took place.

Every man for miles around was in attendance, from the prosperous farmer to the lowest farm-hand, and here and there in small groups they held lively discussions about the respective candidates. Finally the chairman rapped for order, and the speech-making began. The wily orator explained loudly and long about the poor condition of the country's welfare, and wound up by asking all those who wished for a betterment of things to stand up. Every man arose except an old gray-whiskered farmer, who had fallen asleep over the long-winded oration.

"Now," said the orator, after his listeners had seated themselves, "if there is a man here who does not wish for a betterment of things, let him stand up that we may look upon him with scorn."

At this moment the old farmer awoke with a start, and catching the words "stand up," got upon his feet and stared slowly around as a number of hisses were thrown at him. This roused his ire, and he said,

"Waal, Mister Speaker, I don't know whether we be votin' fer or agin the sentiments of my brethern here; but you and me, I reckon, are in the minority."

* * * * *

ART INFLUENCE.

This pretty picture on the wall,
With billows rolling free,
Is full of white clouds in the sky
And white sails on the sea.

And so I'll sit upon the rug
With pail and spade in hand,
And dream that on the silver shore
I'm digging in the sand.

R. K. M.

* * * * *

During a speech at a political dinner in a small Western city, not long ago, a Jingo orator, to the great amusement of his hearers, remarked that "The British lion, whether he is roaming the deserts of India or climbing the forests of Canada, will not draw in his horns nor retire into his shell."

* * * * *

A RAINY DAY MEANS NO BALL.

CAMERON. "Papa, I'm saving up for a fine day."

PAPA. "Why are you doing that?"

CAMERON. "So that I can go to a ball match when I have saved up enough."

* * * * *

THEIR ONLY TROUBLE.

"There's only one trouble about blowing bubbles, mamma," said little Conrad, the other day, "and that is that they always blow out."

* * * * *

An Irish laborer boarded a street-car, and handed to the conductor a rather dilapidated-looking coin in payment of his fare. The conductor looked at it critically, and handed it back.

"That's tin," he said.

"Shure, I thought it was foive," answered the Irishman, complacently, as he put the piece back in his pocket and produced a nickel.

* * * * *

The magazine containing Mrs. Reynolds's first story lay on the sitting-room table.

Her son, who was at an age to be seriously afflicted with the big head, took it up, and glanced over it rather contemptuously.

"Mamma," he said, "why don't you write for a first-class magazine? I see that this thing is entered through the mails as second-class matter."

* * * * *

A QUESTION IN NATURAL HISTORY.

"The cat is a little tiger,
I know very well," said Willie.
"But how is it that the cat-tail
Is never a tiger-lily?"

* * * * *

NOT GENUINE.

TOMMY. "This new spaniel won't go near the water!"

PAPA. "I wonder what's the matter with him?"

TOMMY. "I guess he isn't waterproof."

* * * * *

"Talking about treacle," said the old salt, as he hoisted himself off the molasses barrel to make way for the grocer to supply a customer's wants, "thet reminds me of a little scrimmage we had with a pirate slaver in '42.

"We had the coast-line of Africy a blue streak off to the starboard, and we were er spankin' along with every blessed stitch of canvas drawin' when we sighted one er them pirate slavers er bearin' down on us. Capen took a squint through the glass and whistled. 'We'll give him er run fer it,' said he.

"Waal, that chap kep' after us all day, and we tried to slip his lights during the night, but 'twarn't no use. He made up his mind to foller, and he did, day after day. At last we got well down to the cape when er blow came up, and, great guns! it wuz er blow fer certain. It caught us, and drove us plumb into the antarctic circle, with that pirate right after us. That made the Captain mad, and as we had er cargo of molasses on board, he gave the order to uncover the rear hatch and hoist the barrels on deck.

"Blow me if he didn't broach those barrels thet night, and empty them over the starn. The nest day there wuz that pirate stuck fast in the centre of the molasses, where he had sailed. It had froze during the night, and he was anchored in it just the same as if he wuz nipped in an ice-floe. Then we squared around and headed for the cape. As we passed him the Captain shouts out:

"'Ahoy, there! Cold weather fer merlasses, ain't it?' and they shook their fists and yelled, but we left them, and I guess they're there yet."

End of Project Gutenberg's Harper's Round Table, May 12, 1896, by Various