ery sincerely yours,

"EVELYN STROKES.

"P.S.--Do you by any chance write?"

* * * * *

[Illustration: _Recruit._ "EXCUSE ME, SIR, BUT HAVE THE GERMANS THE
SAME METHODS IN BAYONET-FIGHTING AS WE HAVE?"

_Instructor._ "LET'S HOPE SO. IT'S YOUR ONLY CHANCE."]

* * * * *

COMMERCIAL CANDOUR.

From a company's report:--

"Interim dividend on the Ordinary snares for half-year ended July
31, 1917, at the rate of 10 per cent. per annum, less income
tax."--_Evening Paper._

* * * * *

"A twelve-year-old boy was at Aberavon on Thursday sent to a
reformatory school for five years. He was charged with stealing
5-1/2 6-5/8 Nbegetable marrows from an allotment."--_Western
Mail._

It is supposed that he intended to reduce them to decimals.

* * * * *

CRICKET.

There is no truth in the rumour that spectacular cricket is to be
resumed. It is perfectly true that a section of the public who are
devoted to watching the game and cannot understand why, because the
nations happen to be at war, this favourite summer recreation should
be denied them, have been agitating for the Government to arrange
with the War Office to release all first-class cricketers now in the
Forces, so that they may be free to play matches at home. It is also
true that the Government, having refused to do this, subsequently, in
view of the arguments urged by a deputation of cricket enthusiasts,
agreed to do so, since it has always set its face against any pedantic
rigidity of purpose. But none the less no such matches will be played,
for the simple reason that the cricketers themselves refuse to come
back until their job is finished.

* * * * *

"Boots.--Save nearly 50% buying Factory direct."--_News of the
World_.

On second thoughts we think we shall continue buying one pair at a
time.

* * * * *

[Illustration: _Little Girl (as distinguished admiral enters)._ "BE
QUIET, FIDO, YOU SILLY DOG--_THAT_'S NOT THE POSTMAN."]

* * * * *

THE BALLAD OF JONES'S BLIGHTY.

There are some men who dwell for years
Within the battle's hem,
Almost impervious, it appears,
To shot or stratagem;
Some well-intentioned sprite contrives
By hook or crook to save their lives
(It also kee