g they could do was to set forth for Berlin, making secret
_detours_ in order to call at other of the principal capitals, and
confer with the Foreign Ministers. The result, we are pleased to
learn, has been most beneficial, and has, so to speak, contributed a
hodful of mortar to the foundation on which rests the peace of Europe.

* * * * *

Mrs. RAMSBOTHAM is disposed to regard HOMER as over-rated. The only
book of his she ever read, she says, is _Bombastical Furioso_, and
certainly that did not assuage her appetite for any more.

* * * * *

Mr. STEAD has been taking into his confidence a universe thrilled
with interest, with respect to certain presentiments which from
time to time have struck his mind. One he dates in October, 1883,
at which time he was sub-editor of an evening journal which Mr.
JOHN MORLEY then edited. He had, he records, a presentiment that
at an early approaching date, Mr. MORLEY would have quitted the
establishment--dead Mr. STEAD genially anticipated--and that he would
reign in Stead. In view of the public interest involved in these
confessions, we have interviewed a certain Right Hon. Gentleman as to
his susceptibility to presentiments.

"Well," he replied, "they are not usual with me; but I remember that
for some time before the date mentioned, I felt that either Mr. STEAD
or I must leave the paper."

* * * * *

One of the earliest volumes issued in connection with the
newly-devised Automatic Library in use on some lines of Railway, is
entitled _Beyond Escape_. We understand that subsequent volumes will
be _Dashed to Pieces_, _The Broken Bridge_, _The Sprained Axle_, _The
Wheelbox on Fire_, _The Gordon Guard_, _The Cruel Cowcatcher; or, Cut
in Twain_, _The Colour-Blind Signalman_, and _Shunted and Shattered_.

* * * * *

CROSSED-EXAMINATION.

[Illustration]

OLD STYLE.--_Nervous Witness about to leave the box, when
his progress is arrested by Counsel on the other side._

_Counsel_ (_sharply_). Now, Sir, do you know the value of an oath?

_Witness_ (_taken aback_). Why, yes--of course.

_Coun._ (_pointing at him_). Come, no prevarication! Do you understand
the value, or do you not?

_Wit._ (_confused_). If you will allow me to explain--?

_Coun._ Come, Sir, you surely can answer Yes or No--now which is it?

_Wit._ But you will not let me explain-