ded by treaty, there shall be an exchange of
scalps between the two Governments, scalp for scalp, without regard to
sex or age; the Government having the greatest number is to be taxed on
the excess at the rate of $1000 a scalp, and the other Government
credited with the amount. Once in every decade there shall be a general
settlement, when the balance due shall be paid to the creditor nation in
Mexican dollars."

The plan was adopted, the necessary treaty made, with legislation to
carry out its provisions; the Madagascarene Philosopher took his seat in
the Temple of Immortality, and Peace spread her white wings over the two
nations, to the unspeakable defiling of her plumage.

The Nightside of Character

A Gifted and Honourable Editor, who by practice of his profession had
acquired wealth and distinction, applied to an Old Friend for the hand of
his daughter in marriage.

"With all my heart, and God bless you!" said the Old Friend, grasping him
by both hands. "It is a greater honour than I had dared to hope for."

"I knew what your answer would be," replied the Gifted and Honourable
Editor. "And yet," he added, with a sly smile, "I feel that I ought to
give you as much knowledge of my character as I possess. In this scrap-
book is such testimony relating to my shady side, as I have within the
past ten years been able to cut from the columns of my competitors in the
business of elevating humanity to a higher plane of mind and morals--my
'loathsome contemporaries.'"

Laying the book on a table, he withdrew in high spirits to make
arrangements for the wedding. Three days later he received the scrap-
book from a messenger, with a note warning him never again to darken his
Old Friend's door.

"See!" the Gifted and Honourable Editor exclaimed, pointing to that
injunction--"I am a painter and grainer!"

And he was led away to the Asylum for the Indiscreet.

The Faithful Cashier

The Cashier of a bank having defaulted was asked by the Directors what he
had done with the money taken.

"I am greatly surprised by such a question," said the Cashier; "it sounds
as if you suspected me of selfishness. Gentlemen, I applied that money
to the purpose for which I took it; I paid it as an initiation fee and
one year's dues in advance to the Treasurer of the Cashiers' Mutual
Defence Association."

"What is the object of that organisation?" the Directors inquired.

"When any one of its members is under