ntinued; "but
when it comes to practice, that is what always happens. We have
mentioned to our wives that we are going. Naturally, they are grieved;
they would prefer to come with us; failing that, they would have us
remain with them. But we have explained to them our wishes on the
subject, and--there's an end of the matter."

George said, "Forgive me; I did not understand. I am only a bachelor.
People tell me this, that, and the other, and I listen."

I said, "That is where you do wrong. When you want information come to
Harris or myself; we will tell you the truth about these questions."

George thanked us, and we proceeded with the business in hand.

"When shall we start?" said George.

"So far as I am concerned," replied Harris, "the sooner the better."

His idea, I fancy, was to get away before Mrs. H. thought of other
things. We fixed the following Wednesday.

"What about route?" said Harris.

"I have an idea," said George. "I take it you fellows are naturally
anxious to improve your minds?"

I said, "We don't want to become monstrosities. To a reasonable degree,
yes, if it can be done without much expense and with little personal
trouble."

"It can," said George. "We know Holland and the Rhine. Very well, my
suggestion is that we take the boat to Hamburg, see Berlin and Dresden,
and work our way to the Schwarzwald, through Nuremberg and Stuttgart."

"There are some pretty bits in Mesopotamia, so I've been told," murmured
Harris.

George said Mesopotamia was too much out of our way, but that the Berlin-
Dresden route was quite practicable. For good or evil, he persuaded us
into it.

"The machines, I suppose," said George, "as before. Harris and I on the
tandem, J.--"

"I think not," interrupted Harris, firmly. "You and J. on the tandem, I
on the single."

"All the same to me," agreed George. "J. and I on the tandem, Harris--"

"I do not mind taking my turn," I interrupted, "but I am not going to
carry George _all_ the way; the burden should be divided."

"Very well," agreed Harris, "we'll divide it. But it must be on the
distinct understanding that he works."

"That he what?" said George.

"That he works," repeated Harris, firmly; "at all events, uphill."

"Great Scott!" said George; "don't you want _any_ exercise?"

There is always unpleasantness about this tandem. It is the theory of
the man in front that the man behind does nothing; it is equally the
theory of the man