tag="{http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml}a">[1] Editor. Surely I have heard this title before, or one very similar to it?

Author. No, I think not.

[2]Editor. Surely I have read this conversation, almost word for word, somewhere?

Author. No, I think not.

[3]Editor. The description of the tunnel seems to have some reference to a recent flooding of the Metropolitan Railway?

Author. No, I think not.

[4]Editor. Surely I have read this wonderfully graphic description of a flight of steps somewhere before?

Author. No, I think not.

[5]Author. Stop, stop, this is disgraceful! Why into about a dozen lines you have compressed two-thirds of my story! I had pages, and pages, and pages of slaughter! If you do not print them in full, I am sure the public will be disappointed!

Editor. No, I think not!

A Rise in Balloons.—It would seem that Aërostation, with an eye to affairs, has at length advanced to a possibility within the range of practical enterprise. Messrs. Jovis and Mallet, in their late balloon ascent from Paris, were accompanied by two Guinea-Pigs. Had these partakers of their voyage been deputed to attend that expedition in the interest, as Directors, of an Aërial Navigation Company? And did they, in their official capacity, get the customary guineas, and enjoy the lunch provided as usual for their refreshment in the discharge of their arduous duties? If so, of course, it can't be said that a balloon was a place where those Guinea-Pigs had no business. The Balloon also contained two Pigeons; but these perhaps were birds of a different feather from Shareholders in a Joint-Stock speculation.

GETTING OUT OF IT.

"Where are you going, George? The Omnibus will be here directly, and we're all ready to start."

"Yes, dearest! A—I forgot to tell you—I was to meet Brown at the Club about those Shares, you know, unless he Telegraphed to the contrary. Most important! But don't trouble about me—I'll get down by a later train, in time for supper."

A "GOOD GUN."