der whether the elderly spinster with the anxious manner and air of
determination is really enjoying herself.

Wonder whether, when I have completed my first hour, I shall want
another.

Wonder whether the imp of a boy will run with me.

Wonder whether my second fall in five minutes beats the record.

Wonder, considering the difficulty of progressing half a dozen paces in
as many minutes, how those marvellous feats are performed at Olympia.

Wonder if I shall ever advance upon my present rate of speed, _i.e._,
three-quarters of a mile an hour.

Wonder, finally, if the placards warning cyclists in Battersea Park
against the dangers of "furious riding" can possibly be posted for my
edification.

* * * * *

THE SCORCHER

He travels along at the top of his speed,
You might think that his life was at stake;
To beauties of nature he never pays heed,
For the record he's trying to break.
He stiffens his muscles and arches his back
As if he were still on the cinder-path track.

He races regardless of life and of limb,
Caring naught for the folk in his way;
For chickens and children are nothing to him,
And his mad career nothing can stay;
So wildly he wheels as if urged by a goad;
By coachmen he's christened "the curse of the road."

He'll pass on the left and he'll ride on the right,
For the rules of the road caring naught;
His lamp he will not take the trouble to light
Till a pretty smart lesson he's taught.
But lecture and fine him as much as you will,
The trail of the scorcher is over him still.

* * * * *

RHYME FOR RECORD-MAKERS

Rattle-it, rattle-it, "Biking" man;
Make us a "record" as fast as you can;
Score it, and print it as large as life,
And someone will "cut" it ere you can say knife!

* * * * *

Illustration: Unwilling to give up horses altogether, Captain Pelham
effected a compromise. His first appearance in the park created quite a
sensation.

* * * * *

Illustration: FLATTERY--WITH AN OBJECT

_Jocasta_ (_with an axe of her own to grind, ingratiatingly_). "Oh yes,
papa, it does suit you. I never saw you look so nice in anything
before!"

* * * * *

Illustration: MEMS FOR MOTORISTS.--If your car suddenly appears to drag
heavily, you may be sure there is something to account