* * *

THE GERMAN "DOVE."

(_Suggested by recent exploits of the "Taube" Aeroplane._)

In ancient and in happier days the Dove
Stood as an emblem sure of peace and love;
Now must we link it with the fiend who flies
Down-dropping death on children from the skies.

* * * * *

Illustration: _Sportsman._ "LAST TWO CARTRIDGES, DAN. WHAT'S TO BE DONE
NOW?"

_Dan'l._ "YE'LL HEV TO TAKE TO THE BAINIT, COLONEL."

* * * * *

A NEW ART.

[It is rumoured that Cinema playwrights, following the example of
certain well-known stage dramatists, are likely in future, in
addition to the film representations, to publish their works in
novel-form. The manuscript of one of the earliest of these
productions has just come into our hands.]

LOVE AND DIPLOMACY.

CHAPTER I.

The last rays of the setting sun, shining through the windows of the
Foreign Office, fell upon Clement Carmichael, the brilliant young
Foreign Secretary, as he sat at his desk studying despatches. A slight
noise caused him to raise his head sharply, and he observed a stranger
of alien appearance standing before him.

Without a word the intruder produced a revolver and levelled it at
Carmichael. Caught like a rat in a trap, the latter, after a moment's
hesitation, handed over the despatches and leaned back with an
expression of bitter despair.

"It is Raymond Bluetherski!" he gasped when he was again alone. "I am
ruined!"

CHAPTER II.

There was not an instant to be lost. Dashing down the steps of the
Foreign Office, Carmichael leapt into the waiting motor and shouted
hoarsely to the driver. A moment later the car was disappearing rapidly
down the street.

CHAPTER III.

Felix Capperton, the detective whose fame had penetrated two
hemispheres, was playing chess with his daughter Madge, a tall and
beautiful blonde. Suddenly the door opened and Carmichael entered
hastily. In a few tense words he explained the situation to the famous
sleuth, while Madge Capperton stood silent, pressing her hands to her
heart.

The detective pointed meaningly at the chessboard, and Carmichael bent
over it with an expectant face.

"It is checkmate!" he said.

"We will checkmate Bluetherski!" replied the other confidently.

The eyes of the Foreign Secretary met those of the girl and a
sympathetic smile passed between them.

CHAPTER IV.

In his private sanctum C