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TO A SPRING FLOWER. BY J. I» HERSEY. Wheno* dost thou come T It was but yesterday And the brown field was clad in cheerless gloom, And winter lingering hushed the jocund lay Of early birds, and flowers forgot to bloom. But now 'tis changed ; beauty is in the vale, And meadows smile in thin-grown drapery ; Tn« roWn'B note is heard ; the balmy gale Bursts the swol'n buds.on every forest tree. And yet, what magic touch has wrought this change ? The frost that seared thy leaves and dimmed thy bloom Ha* melted in the sunbeams ; but how strange That thou shouldst start to life and burst thy tomb. It it tfe» breathing south wind that recall* Thy wasted beauty, or spring's morning beam ; Or gong of feathered choir, when evening falls ; Or the wild murmur of the gushing stream ? It U not thus with man ; the wasting form And fading blush of beauty may In vain Court the wfld breeze : the winter's chilly storm That freezes life yields not to spring again. I saw hsr droop, «aid, nke a lovely flower >'ipped by untimely frost, she sunk to rest ; And mid December's snows, when tempest blown, T"hey heaped th« clods above her infant crest. And spring came back, and o'er her little grave The breeze of evening sighed, and the wild bird Did carol o'er it, and the grass did wave In rioh luxuriance— but 'twas all unheard. The flower I loved so true, It came no more ; And years have spread oblivion where 'twas laid ; Yet shall it bloom upon a happier shore, Whore an immortal spring shall never fade. Tottonborough, N. H. THE WISHING WAND Taere was once a king who ruled over great lands and indeed the sea on which were many ships, in the far north. He had three sons who had now come to the years ot man hoed, and who now wished to start out on the sea of life for them selves, expecting to accomplish great deeds by their courage and strength. The king had three stately ships well equipped and manned, and he gave one to each of hi 3 three sons, first asking the oldest what he intended to do with the ship he pre sented him. "I intend, my dear father," said the oldest son, "to sail to the far east, to ob tain rich treasures from distant coasts and islands." ••Well done," said the king, "travol hence, aod I bid you good luck." He then turned to the second son and asked him what he intended doing with the ship he had given him. "With it, my dear father, I intend to sail t» the far west to discover distant lands fron. which I'll bring home valua ble treasures." "Well done," he aho said to this son, "travel hence and I wish you good luck," Now the king asked the third son what he intended to do with his ship. "I think my gracious king and sire,' answered the youngest son, "to distin guish myself as an adventurer, and where ever my ship beare me, be it near home or abroad, I'll endeavor to prove myself worthy of your love and high name." This answer surprised the king, for he did not expect such an answer from the youngest. "You piease me very much, 5 ' said the king, go on your journey and I hope you will have good luck." A grand farewell banquet was held, and after it three sons put to tea. For some time the three ships sailed together, but when the hign sea was reached they seperated, one going east, one west and one south. The one that sailed to the east found a land rich in silver mines. This ship was filled with silver to its ut most capacity. The ship that sailed to the west had an unusually long journey, but ite destination was the land ot gold. These two brothers now prepared to re turn to their heme with their treasures, one with a ship of silver and one w ith a ship filled with gold, expecting to be re ceived with joy. The third son. who had steered to the south, found neither a land of silver nor of gold, and indeed did not sight any land, and now the ship's provisions had given out. At last he saw in the dis tance a little dark point; to this the ship was steered, hoping with confidence it would be a lafid ot bread. But as they came nearer they saw it was a barren is land sunounded by coral reefs, HnuJ by steep cliffs and rujjged rocks. This was the land ot hunger, for it appeared as if no one lived there, and it wa3 very far rrom a sea-port of any kind. This the king's son named it after searching it for something to eat for three days and tind ing nothing. Exhausted with hunger he sank into a stupor the third day. When lie awoke from this he saw a beautiful maiden standing before him, observing him, she said : "What is your name and where did you come from?" "Ah !" said the king's son, "I would be glad if I never came here. I am a prince who has nothing to cat, and am overcome with hunger." * "Well," said tne maiden, "if you wish, I can help you! Follow me, my prince." These words sounded like music to the prince. He followed his young guide in to a little house where sat a little old woman spinning. "Dear little mother," said the beauti ful maiden, "here is a young prince who is hungry, will you give him something to eat and drink?" "I couldn't think ol it," said the old woman, "the little wishing cloth is se curely locked in the shriae." Hearing this her daughter began to cry beseechingly, and pleading with her mother said: "But I have promised him. I can not break my word. Please, please, please take the little wishing cloth out." The old woman then unlocked the shrine, and took a beautiiul little cloth embroidered in beautiful designs of an cient art, edged with beautiful fringe. The old woman spread this on a ta ble, muttering these words, "Cover this, my little wishing cloth, for a man, with food and wine." Scarcely had she said this when there was spread out an elegant repast of food and wine. To the prince, never had food so good a taste in his father's castle. He drank the health sf his friends m need, and was returning to his ship,when the young girl cried out, "Take me with you, I'll die without you." But he said : Dear, good child, I cannot take you with me. I would only bring you into poverty. If lam fortunate I'll return and take you." "Now keep your word," said the maid en, u and to keep it in your memory take this little wishing cloth, and use it the way you have seeu my mother use it. Preserve it, and don't forget me/ The prince, overjoyed, took the wish ing cioth and returned to the ship.where the m^n were famishing with hunger, and who had already begun to cast lots as to who among their number should be sacriticed for food. But the prince laughed, and had a table erected on deck, and spreading the lucky cloth on it,said : "Cuver this table, my little wishing ciiirh, for all these men, with food and wine." The orew opened their eyes with won der and astonishment at the table, which was heavily laden with rare wines and food, which was spread before them. It was a joyful feast, and in good spirits they again set out to sea. Towards even ing they reached another island, which was as barren and bleak as the one they had lelt, uninhabited by either man or beast. After wandering around for some time they became weary and hungry, and spreading the cloth on a convenient place, again was spread for them an elegant re past, of which all ate and drank heartily. As they sat eating, a man came near and and sto»>d in amaze at the table which he saw spread, saying : "You are feasting, and I, who have been ship-wrecked, am tarnishing for food." "Be my guest, 1 ' said the king's son, and again he had a table set for thia man, and told the stranger how he came by it. "Ah ! indeed," said the stranger, "there are such wishing things, but they do not help any one. Look at my staff! It is a wishing wand. By taking the top oft and saying 'I want a hundred, or a thousand, or a hundred thousand men, on foot or on horseback, my men are there: by placing the top on the staff they will dis appear. What use are they to me though when I have nothing to nourish them? Soldiers need rations, and as I cannot provide for them, what use are they to me?" "Now, I would highly prise a wishing cloth, and would gladly give my wishing staff for one." "If you wish, we might exchange," said the prince. "Noble sir, you guessed my inmost wish," said the delighted stranger, and they made the exchange on tLe spot, whereupon they separated. After a while the prince took the top off the staff and cried. "A hundred men on horseback!" Im mediately one hundred fiery steeds, with their riders, appeared, "Go, quick, and bring me my wishing cloth," command ed the prince, and instantly the horse men obeyed him, and brought back the wishing cloth, as it were, hjme with the wind, bearing it as their standard. The prince took the little treasure and spread it out, saying, "Cover this table with iood and wine for one hundred men Be seated, and gratify your appetites to their fullest extent ; eat, drink, and be merry." And they all ate and drank, and after thanking the prince,disappeared when the cover was placed upon the staff. Now the lucky possessor of these magic treasures returned to his ship and cou tinued his voyage until the next day he reached a third island, and looking for some new adventure met a little old wo man with a dark mantle which was one mass ot rags. "Oh, I shall die of hunger and thirst! I have not eaten a thing for two days. Have you any bread with you?"' "No, my little woman, I do not carry bread with me, but I'll get you what you want." "Oh ! if I had only a drop of coffee it would stop the craving at my heart." Then the prince spread out his wishing cloth saying : "Be covered, little wishing cloth, with rare fruite, food and wine." The cloth was instantly set with a rare feast and the old woman's face lit up with joy at what she witnessed, and she threw her mantle high in the air, the Tags falling in different parts of the island. Wherever a red or yellow rag fell — there gteod a beautilul castle on a villa; wherev er a green one fell a beautiful park : and wherever a bl ue one fell a beautiful lake; and the whole island was changed into a paradise. "I indeed envy you your mantle," said the prince." "0, yes; it is all very nice, but, of what use is the beautiful lake to me when there is nothing but water there — and in the great park are no animals — and in the fine castle I get nothing to eat, I would highly prize your wishing cloth." The prince then proposed making an exchange, which satisfied the little old woman. The old woman clapped her hands and the beautiful castle, park and lake were instantly changed into the ragged mantle of many colors, which the old woman joyfully placed in the prince's hand and received in return his magic wishing-cloth. The prince had not gone far when he took the top off his wishing staff and summoned one hundred men to return with his little cloth, and his command was obeyed. He set sail again, landing next day at an island farther south. There were no treasures he thought there, and tired after- strolling around, fell asleep in a pretty grove. He was awakened some time after by the beautiful playing of a violin. As he looked up he saw a man sitting up on a rock playing most beau tifully on a violin. The prince bowed graciously to the man, who modestly recognized the favor, saying : '•You show good taste in being enrap tured with that air. Of all instruments, the violin is the queen's favorite. lam the finest player in the world, but I live here alone,and whatever I wish to play I can play with my magic violin.' ' "Then let me hear your best effort," said the prince, "and I shall revere your fiddle and yourself when I am far from here. But wait, I would be better pleas ed if you would give me a luncheon for I can find nothing to eat on this island, and I am hungry and thirsty." "Oh ! man of earthly thoughts ! Does it not satisfy your appetite to listen to my heavenly music? You make me sad. Here I find as much as my poor earthly body needs, bat I would like a glass of champagne." The prince then stood musing. "All men have not the same gifts. I am an artist as cook. You may be a truest at my feast." "Where?" asked the violinist. "Right in this place," said the prince, spreading his magic cloth out, saying: "Be spread, my little cloth, fer two ar tists, with rare dishes and the best oi wine." Both feasted, the viohdist drinking the health of the prince with his overflowing glass of champagne, and raising his voice cried: "Cook, you are indeed one of the gods. You shall be my brother." The prince laughed and said : "I can have a feast whenever I wish it." "Always?" said the prayer. "Say, brother, let us exchange. You give me your little wishing cloth and 1 11 give you my violin." They Ihen exchanged, and the violinist went on his way rejoicing. But as he was sleeping one day the prince sent tor his wishing cloth. The prince now thought that he would return home, and after a long but pleas ant voyage, passing many beautiful places, he reached his native country. It was quite late, and not wishing to dis turb the castle, he lay down to sleep in the park near by. The king had planned the next flay for a hunt, and the hounds on their way scented the strangei lying asleep under the tree. As they came Bear they pawed the ground and yelped with joy to see their young mas ter. The king heard th« hounds, and coming to the tree lounel his youngest son awake and the dogs licking his hands. But the king was no way re joiced at the appearance of his youngest son. "Moreover, said he, "I see you are back again, and appear to be willing to be courted by the hounds, Ido not pre sume to say you have brought back great treasures; but I hope, inasmuch as your brothers returned with vessels ot silver and gold, your ship comes freighted with diamonds. What would give me joy would be something that would servej the land, for I am engaged in a bloody war. My adjoining foes have me heavily oppressed, they having de stroyed many towns and castles. All the eilver and gold that your brothers brought has been spent in supporting my army, aud that army has been sorely broken up by many bloody battles. So the next thing I can see is that I shall bo detb toned and driven from the land." "Such a thing shall not happen, my gracious king, sire and ruler," said the youngest son. "These affairs shall take a turn ! Let us break through the encampment of the enemy without any troops."' "What!" said the king, and his two older sons. "Shall we throw ourselves into the jaws of the lion? You have in indeed traveled by the equator and the sun's rays have turned your brain." "I will show you myself," said the youngest son. In the meantime a spy brought news that the enemy's forces were lour times as great as before and that they would soon be upon them. The king and his two Bons stood weeping, but the younger son bade them be quiet, and taking the top off the lucky staff, ordered a hundred thousand warriors on horse -back, and in one hour the land was free from enemies, being chased to their own country drench ing it with their blood. The king stood amazed, and the prince spreading oat his little cloth, said : "Now for a feast for one hundred thousand men. Let us have music with our feast," ' said the prince, taking the violin. The one hundred thousand men stood in awe as they listened to the soul in spiring music of the prince. His two brothers were beside themselves with joy at what they heard. The prince then said : "Let us lestoie what the enemy has destroyed in the land and beautify it as before." Taking the ragged mantle of many colors he threw it in the air, and imme diately beautiful castles, fine groves and picturesque little lakes were to be seen in the land. With the wishing cloth he made it a land of plenty. With the wish ing staff he raised it from a land of war, and gained respect from its enemies, and with his violin he raised the standard of music, which had lately been sadly ne glected. After a few days he set sail to the barren island to claim the beautiful maiden for his wife, "for," said he to himself, I must keep my promise, for she has kept hers." Ah! if all prince 3 had such magic wishes and would make such good use of them ! Julia C. Howe. Society Information. [American Queen. J Good breeding gives us certain definite rules, and while these' are observed, so ciety is possible, else it disintegrates. But we may, without osing self-respect, exercise a vast self-control, and not show that we distrust people, nor that we vast ly like them; we need not wear our hearts on our sleeves lor daws to peck at. Mem bers of the same family should never quarrel in public. This is often done by two sisters of uncertain tempers, and the crowd laughs. The French have a prov erb about this,perhaps too well known to be quoted. Never show that you ieel a slight. This is worldly wise as well as Cj.ristian, for no one but a mean person will put a slight on another, and such a person al ways profoundly respects the person who is unconscious ot his feeble spite. Nev er resent publicly a lack of courtesy; it is in the worst taste. Anything done privately about dropping such an ac quaintance must be left to yourself. To a person of noble mind the contests of society mnst even seem poor and fu rious as they think of these narrow en mities and low political maneuvers, but we know that they exist and that we must meet them. Temper, detraction and small spite are as vulgar on a Turkey carpet and in a palace as they could be in a tenement-house: nay, worse, for the educated contestants know better. But that they exist we know as well as we know that the diphtheria rages. We must only reflect philosophically that it takes all sorts of people to make a world ; that there are good peot)le, rank and file; that there is a valiant army and a noble navy; that there are also pirates who will board the best ships, and trait ors in every army, and that we mnst be ready ior them all ; and that it we live in a crowd we must propitiate that crowd. Never show a fractious or peremptory irritability in small things. Be patient if a friend keeps you waiting. Do not be fussy about your supposed rights; yield a disputed point of precedence. All society has to be made up of these concessions ; they are your unnumbered friends in the long run. We are not always WTong when we quarrel; but if we meet our deadliest foe f.t a f rieind's house we are bound to treat him with civility. That is neutral ground. And in all honesty, cultivate a graceful salutation, not too familiar, in a crowd. Do not kiss your fnend in a crowd; be grave and decorous always; Burke said that manners are more im portant than laws. A salutation may have a great deal of meaning in it. It may say, "I respect you, and I wish you well." It may say "I hate you." In a crowd it should sim ply say the first. The salutation of a man to a woman can not be too respect ful. The manners of young women are apt to be too careless. She should re member that when a woman's salutation ceases to be delicate, elegant and finish ed she steps- down from her throne and throws away her scepter. There is no salutation, however, more displeasing than a too efflorescent and flattering sub serviency. "He bow 3 too low" should never be said. Avoid being a snob, in a crowd. The old saying, " Nine taylors make a man," originated from the following circumstance : A number of years since, in London, a little boy was accustomed to sell apples, cakes, etc., among the various shops. At one place he visited were nine journeyman tailors, who, on account of the unusual brightness of the boy, determined to educate him. Each one contributed a portion toward the necessary expenses, and the boy eventu ally became a noted, individual. In this sense nine tailors were said to have made a man. MINE CHILDHOOD. By tuu Author of "Ljsedle Yawcob BTR.vr*5."J Der schlltren dhey vas poot in ped, All tucked oup for der nighti I dakes my pipe der mantle oil And py der fireside pright I dinks about vhen I vas young- OS moder who vas tead — Und how at nighdt— like I do Hans She tucked me oup in ped. I mindt me off mine fader too, Und how he yoost so say. Poor poy, yov half a hardt old row To hoe, und leedle Way!" To find me out dat I vas drue Vot miue old^fader said, Vhile smoodhiiig down mine flaxen hair Und tucking me in ped. t Der oldt folks! Id vas like a dhream To spheak off dem like dot Gretchen und I vas 'old folks now, Und haf two schiltren got. We lofes dem more as never vas, Each leedle curly head Und efry night ye dakes dhem oup (Jnd tucks dhem in dheir ped. Budt dhen, somedime -, vhen I feels plue Und all dings lonesome seem, 1 vieh I vas dot poy again, Und dis vas all a dhream. I vant to kiss mine moder vonce, Und vhen mine brayers vas said, To haf my fader dake me oup Und tuck me in mine ped. — Harper's MagwciM. THE HAUNTED OVEN. It was in the days of our grandmothers when there were brick ovens in the land, that Mr. Hubbard bought it very much against his wife's will. It was a lonely house, and reported to be haunted. It was next to a graveyard, which, although unused, was not cheerful, and which, likewise, had the reputation of a ghost. Mr. Hubbard, however, did not believe in ghosts, and was too cheerful to be de pressed by warnings, and never intended to be lonely. "Mrs, Hubbard," he said, when his wife shook her head over the purchase, "I got it cheap, and it is a good one. you will like it when you get there, it you don't, why, then talk." So the house was bought, and into it the Hubbard family went. There was scarcely a chance for a ghost to show his face amid such a family of boys and girls. Mr. and Mrs. Hubbard counted ten of them, all noisy ones. Having once expostulated and spoken out her mind as to the house, Mrs. Hub bard gave up to the point. She scrubbed and scoured, and nailed down carpets and put up curtains, and owned that the place was pretty. As not a ghost appeared for a week, she made up her mind that there were no such inhabitants. She even began not to mind the tombstones. So the house got to rights at last, and baking day came about. In the press of business they had a great deal of baker's bread, and were now tired of it. Mrs. Hubbard never enjoyed setting a batch of bread to rise as she did that which was to be eat en for the first time in the new house. "For I cannot get up an appetite tor stuff that nobody knows who had the making of,'' said Mrs. Hubbard, "and all puffy and alumy besides." So into tlie'oven went the bread, and out it came at the proper time, even and brown, as beautiful as loaves could be. Mrs. Hubbard turned them up on their sides as she drew them forth, and they stood in the long bread-tray, glorious proofs of her skill and the excellence of the oven, when Tommy Hubbard bound ed in. Tommy was four, and when at that age we are prone to believe that anything will bear out weight. Tommy, therefore, anxious to inspect the newly-made bread, swung himself off his feet by clutching the edge of the bread tray, and over it came, loaves and Tommy and all. Mrs. Hubbard flew to the rescue, and picked up the loaves. All were dusted and put in the tray again but one. That lay bottom upward, under the table. "A bothering child to give me sp much trouble!'' she said as she crawled" under the table to get it. "All — o—a0 — ah — dear sister — oh — O —my — ' ' And there on the floor sat Mrs. Hub bard, screaming, wringing her hands, and shaking her head. The children screiim ed in concert. Mr. Hubbard rushed in from where he wa9 at work. "What's the matter, mother?" he gasped. Mrs. Hubbard pointed to the bottom of the loaf lying in her lap. "Look there and see !" she said. "It is a warning, William. I am going to be taken from them all." And he looked : and he saw a deaths head and cross-bones, as plainly engraved as they possibly could be. "It is accident," said Mr. Hubbard "Some queer cranks do come, you know." But Mrs. Hubbard was in a troubled state of mind, as was but natural. "The stories about the haunted house were true," she said; "and the spirits have marked the loaf. lam afraid it is a warning." And the loaf was put aside, for even Mr. Hubbard did not dare to eat any of it. Mrs. Hubbard got over her fright at last, but the news of the awfully marked loaf spread through R , and the peo ple came to Hubbard's all the week to look at it. It was a deaths-head and cross-bonea, certainly- -every one saw that at a glance ; but as to its meaning, people differed. Some believed that it was a warning of approaching death; others thought that the spirits wanted to frighten the Hubbard's away, and get possession of the house again all to them selves. This latter supposition inspired Mrs. Hubbard with courage. Finally, being a brave woman, she adopted the belief; and, when another baking day arrived, put her loaves inte the oven once more, prepared for cross-bones and not to be frightened by them. The loaves baked as before. They came out brown and crusty and as Mrs. Hubbard turned each in her hands, there were no cross-bones visable, but on the last were sundry characters of let ters. What, no one could tell, until there dropped in for a chat a certain printer ot the neighborhood, accustom ed to read things backward. "By George!" said he, "that is curious that is curious — r-e-s-u-r-g-a-m — resur gam; that is on the loaf— resurgam." "It is what they put on tombs, isn't it? asked pror Mrs. Hubbard, faintly. "Well, yes," said Mr. Hubbard, being obliged to admit it, "But it is not so bad as cross-bones and skulls/ Mrs. Hubbard shook her head. "It is even solemner," said the little woman, who was not as good a linguist as' breadinaker. I feel confident, Wil liam, that I shall soon be resurgamed, and what will these dear children do then?" And now that the second loaf was be foie her eyes, marked even more awfully than the first, Mrs. Hubbard giew really pale and thin and lost her cheerfulness. "I have a presentment," she said, over and over again, "that the third baking will decide to whom the warning belongs. I believe it is meant for me and time will show.' B Don't you see how thin I am grow ingf" •: ;: --.• ':: - : And although Mr. Hubbard . laughed, he also began to be troubled. The third baking-day was one of gloom. Solemnly, as a funeral, the family assem bled to assist in the drawing. Five loaves came but markless but one remained. . - Mrs. Hubbard'a hand trembled, but she drew it forth. She turned softly about. At last she exposed the lower surface. On it were letters printed back ward, plain enough to read this time, and arranged thus : Died April 3d, lamented by her large family . "It is me 1 " cried Mrs. Hubbard, "I'm to go to-morrow — this is the Ist I do feel faint — yes, I do. This is awful, and so sudden!" And she fainted away in the arms of the most terrified of men and loving husbands. The children screamed; the cat mewed; the dog barked; the oldest boy went for the doctor. People flocked in ; the loaf was examined. Yes, there was the warn ing — her call to quit the world. She lay in bed, bidding good-byeto her family and friends, her strength going very tsSt. She read her Bible and tried not to grieve too much. The good doctor shook his head, the clergyman prayed with her. Nobody doubted but that her end was at hand, tor people were very superstitious in those days. They had been up all night with the doomed woman, and dawn was breaking, and with it she knew she must go, when clattering over the road and up to the door came a horse, and on the horse came a man, who alighted. He rattled at the knocker and rushed in. There was no stopping him. Tip the stairs he went to the sick room and bolted into it. Everybody stared at him as he took of! his hat. "Parding,'' said he, breathlessly ; "I heard Mrs. Hubbard was a dying, and she'd warnings on her baking 3. I came over to explain. You see, I was sexton of the church here a few years ago, and I know all about it. You needn't die of fear just yet, Mrs Hubbard, for it is neith er spirits nor demons about, nor yet warnin's. What marks the loaves is old Mrs. Finkle's tombstone. I took it for an oven bottom, leeing there were no sur vivors, and bricks were dear. The last folks before you didn't get them printed ofl oh their i oaves because they used tins; and we got used to the marks ourselves. Crossbones and skulls we put up with, and never thought of caring for the re surgam. So you see how it is, and lam sorry you've been scared." Nobody said a word. The minister shut his book. The doctor walked to the window. There was a deadly silence. Mrs. Hubbard sat up in bed. "William !" said she to her husband, "the first thing you do, get a new bottom to that even."' And the toac assurred the assemblage of anxious friends that Mrs. Habbard was not geiner to die yet," Indeed, she came down the next day. And when the oven had been reconstruct ed, the flrst thing she did was to give invitations for a large tea-drinking— on which occasion the loaves came out all right. Arabian Folk Lore. The following scrap, touching certain points of the folk lore of the children of the desert, is taken, from the fifth of a series of letters by Professor Robert son Smith of Aberdeen : We had a very pleasant bivouac in Wady Gi'rana, under the bright moonlight. We drank innumerable cups of cofiee and en joyed a long that around the lire, Al Alas as usual, was full of superstitions, apd showed me Bedouin methods of di vination. One of these is used to decide whether or not a tribe shall ride out on a foray. A circle is drawn out in the sand with an arbitary number of rays, which must not be counted, diverging from its circumference. The first and second rays are then joined by a cross stroke, so are the third and fourth, and so on. If there is an odd number of rays, one, of course remains unconnected, and is held to sym bolize an open roaa for war. If all the rays are closed, the tribe re fuses to ride out. A more complicated test of probability of success in anything a man has set his heart on is to measure out three spans' lengths on the land. The space between must then bo divided off into finger breaths, which is done by successive applications of the third and fourth fingers, pressing the back of the fingers down upon the sand. The row of scores thus obtained is roughly bisected by the eye, and each half is counted off in threes from the middle point. The re mainders give the measure of one's good luck, the best result being three af one end and two at the other. I remember to have heard Irom a resident in Bagdad that a similar mode of divination is prac ticed there by counting off by fives an arbitrary chosen number of beads in a rosary. This is called striking a choice (dharab kheera.) The Beduoins also take auguries from birds. A single raven in one's path is a very bad token, but two are extremely lucky. They say, Akhdharegu Fa-lan zein — "Two green (that is, black) ones' — a fair omen. The Bedouins have other superstitions about animals. The super stition as to the flesh of the vock bad ger which Palmer noted in the Peninsu la of Sinai is unknown here ; but there is a similar idea about the monkeys which frequent Mt. Sara. These, it is said, were once men who came to visit the prophet. He set before them milk and water, directing them to drink the former and perform their ablutions with the latter. The perverse visitors drank the water and washed with the milk, and were transformed to monkeys for their disobedience. As they were once men, their flesh is not eaten. This legend is closely akin to what one reads in the history of early Arabia ab out the Nasnas and the Wabar, in the great sandy desert. Both these words are monkey names, quite current in the present day, though not recognized by the lexicons. Except in this monkey story, I find no trace of the superstitious rejection of the flesh of any animal. But some kinds of flesh have a magical virtue attached to thorn. A man who sutlers in any member of his body seeks a cure by eating the corresponding part of a hyena. A similar vutue is attached to the flesh of the gemsbok (Wudheyhy), a rare species of antelope found far in the interior. When eaten, it draws an obsti nate bullet from a wound. When old Mr. Higginsworth was asked if he took a iv wspaper he replied that " since our member of Congress stopped sending me the Congressional Record I don't take any; but I guess I kin git along without it. It never gives mucb news, anyhow." MR. TOLMAN Mr. Tolman was a bachelor, anywhere between 45 and 60. Mr. Tolman was rich — very rich indeed. He felt that there was something lacking in the midst of all his comforts ; he needed a new im pulse, a new interest, some motive for working and accumulating, and he took his own eccentric way of finding that now incentive to work and life. He left the keys with his head clerk, went to his rooms and made his will. People will think I am crazy," Baid he to himself, "and if I should die while I am carry out my plan, I'll have the task of defending my sanity to people who are able to make a good fight for me," so, with the exception of a few leg acies, he left all his property to the rich est and most powerful charitable organiz ation in the country. He went to a neighboring city, took rooms at a hotel, and walked several days about the city in search of what he want ed, though that would be hard to de fine. "I'd like to find a snug little place where I can live, and carry on some bus iness which I can attend to myself, and which will bring me in contact with all kinds of people — people who will inter est me. It must be a small business, because I don't want to work ver ( hard, and it must be snug and comfortable, because I want to enjoy it. I would like a shop of some sort, because that brings a man face to face with his fellow crea tures.'' The shop which at last appeared to suitjhim best was one which he had pass ed and looked into several times before it struck him favorably. The shop seemed devoted to articles of stationery and small notions of various kinds, not easy to be classified. At any rate he would go in and look at penknives. The shop was in charge of a very pleasant old lady, who sat sewing behind the counter. In the corner, near the old lady's chair, was a little coal stove, with a bright fire in it, and at the back of the shop, at the top 01 two steps, was a glass door, partly open, through which he saw a sinal! loom, with a red carpet on the floor, and a lit tle table, apparently set for meal. The old lady was a friendly, sociacle body, aad very glad to have any one to talk to, so it was not very difficult for Mr. Tolman to draw from her a great many points about herself and her shop. Her son was a commercial traveler, and away from the city months at a time, so it was lonesome for her. "If I could do it," said she, "I would give this place up, and go and live with my sister i> the country. Henry could come there just as well as here when he gets back from his trips." "Why dent you sell out? 1 ' asked Mr. Tolman. "That would not be easy,"' said she, with a smile. "It might be a long time before we could find any one to take the place. We have a lair trade in the store, though it isn't what it used to be, and the library is falling oft, too." "The library," said Mr. Tolman, "have you a library?" "Oh, yes," replied the old lady. "I've had a circulating library here for fifteen years." "I declare, ' said he. "It must be very pleasant, to manage a circulating libra ry — a small one like this, I mean. I shouldn't mind going into a business like this myself.' 1 The old lady looked surprised. "Did you wish to go into business?" Mr. Toiinan explained his views to her. Few customers came in to inter rupted them, and they talked the matter over very thoroughly. The bargain was struck in a few days . Mr. Tolman in sisted on buying everything in the house, just as it stood. The whole thing did not cost him, he said to himself, as much as some of his acquaintances would pay for a horse. He took several lessons from the old lady, and she particularly instructed him in the management of a circulating library. Finally everything was settled,and Mr. Tolman was left sole manager and pro prietor of a notion shop and circulating library. "There ifl nothing really crazy about this," he said to himself. Every one seemed sorry that the old lady had gone, but Mr. Tolman was so pleasant and anxious to please that only ODe ot the subscribers seem to take the change very mnch to heart. This was a young man who was forty cents in arrears. But Mr. Tolman soon made him comfortable about that matter, and the young man went away perfectly satisfied with the new librarian. Before evening of that day Mr. Tol man became convinced that he would soon be obliged to employ a boy, or some one to attend the establishment while he went to his meals, as it left the shop de serted and people were apt to wish to make some purchases during meal hours. He determined not to allow this respon sibilty to injure his health, so at one o'clock he boldly locked the shop door, and went out for his lunch. When he returned he found a little girl with a pitcher standing at the door. She came to borrow half a pint ot milk. "Milk!" exclaimed Mr. Tolman "Why, my child, I hare no milk." "Is Mrs. Walker gone away for good?" "Yes," replied Mr. Tolman. "But I would be just as willing as she to lend you if ] had any. Take these three cents, and go and buy the milk for me around the corner, and then you can borrow it from me. Will that suit?" fhe girl thought it would «uit very well and away she went. Even the little incident pleased Mr. Tolman. It was tk> very novel. In looking over the book in which the names were written ot the subscribers, he amused himself by wondering what sort of persons they were who had out cer tain books. The person in regard to whom Mr. Tolman felt the greatest cu riosity was the subscriber who now •had in his possession a volume entitled "Dormstock's Logarithms of the Diapa son." "How on eaith," exclaimed Mr. Tol man, "did such a book get into this li brary, and where on earth did the person spring from who could want to take it out? And not only want to take it, but come and have it renewed one, two, three, 100r — n i n e times! He has had that book for eighteen weeks 1" In almost exactly two weeks from the date of the last re newal P. Giascow came in. He seemed surprised at the change in the proprie torship of the library. Still he hoped there would be no objection to his re newing the book. Oh, no,' said Mr. Tolman, "I presume no one else would want it." The young mm smiled, "No," said he. there are not many who v.ould care to study the higher mathematics of music, especially when treated as Dorm stock treats the subject. "Are you in the musical business," said Mr. Toiman. "Oh, no, said Glascow. "I hare a gTeat love for music and I wish to understand it, but my business is quite different. lam a night druggist, and that is the reason I have ao much leasure for reading. "Is it not dreadfully lonely sitting in a drugstore all night?" "It is not very lonely in our store at night," said Glascow. "In fact it is often more lively than in the day time. You see we are right down among the newspaper offices, and there's always somebody coming in for soda-water, or cigars, or something or other. The store is a bright warm place for the editors and reporters to meet together and talk and drink hot soda, and there's always a knot of 'em around the stove about the time the papers begin to go to press, and they are a lively set. I can tell you, sir, I've heard some ot the best stories I, ever heard in my life told in our place after six o'clock in the morning." "A strange life!" said Mr. Tolman. "And night after night, I suppose." "Yes, air, night after night, Sundays and all." "It must be rather annoying," said the night druggist, "not to be able to go out to yeur meals without shutting up your shop. If you like," said he rather hesi tatingly, "I will stop in about this time in the afternoon, and stay here while you go to dinner. I will be glad to do this till you get an assistant. Mr. Tolman jumped at this proposition. It was exactly what he wanted. One afternoon there came into the shop a young lady who brought back two books which she had for more than a month. Then she said she would like to take out "Dormstock's Logarithms of the Diapson." Mr. Tolman stared at her. She was a bright, haadsome young lady, and looked as if she had very good sense. He told her the work was out. "Out," she said, "why it is always out. It seems strange to me that there should be srich a demand for that book. I've been trying to get it for ever so long. And I particularly want the book just now. lam a teacher, and on account of certain circumstances I have a holiday for a month, which I intend to give up almost entirely to music, and I particu larly wanted Dormstock." "If you will come here the day after to-morrow," said Mr. Tolman, "I will be aMe to tell you something definite." She said she would come. Mr. Tolman tried to purchase a copy of Dormstock's great work, but it had been long out of print and he could find no such work. He spoke to Glascow on the subject. "A woman ! ' he exclaimed, "why she would not understand two pages out of the whole book!" "But it.s not fair. I ought not to keep the book so long. You may let her have it when she comes, I don't believe she will study it very long. If it is all the same to you I will come around here and read, as I have been doing, till you get an assistant." Mr. Tolman would be delighted to have him come, he said. It was some time before the lady came back, and when she did she asked for a novel. "I would not take a vovel," said Mr. Tolman, triumphantly, and handed her down Dormstock. She was pleased, but when told of Glascow's gentlemanly con duct she said she would not break up his studies, and so she went away with a nov el in her muff. Mr. Tolman then told Glascow that she would not take it and that he could have it, but Glascow said when she saw he would not touch it she would change her mind and carry it off. "It would serve them both right if somebody else would come in and carry the book off, but there was no danger of that." One day, however, she came in to look at the booii — not to carry it oft — as she wished to see what he said on a certain subject. After an hour or so, she said, "Excuse me, but will you explain the latter part of this passage?" "Me !" exclaimed Mr. Tolman, "why, my good madam — miss, I mean — I couldn't explain it to you if it were to save my life. But what page is it. "Page twenty-four," said the young lady. Oh; well then if you will wait a iew minutes the young gentleman who has had the book will be here." After some hesitation, she concluded to sit a while. The night druggist soon came in and Mr. Tolman introduced them and he readily agreed tt> explain them. When she rose to go, Mr. Tolman urg ed her to come and look at the book when ever she wished to. So she came often, and often met Glas cow. "The proper thing," thought Mr. Tol man, "would be for these two young peo ple to get married. Then they could take the book and study it to their heart's con tent." Mr. Tolman began to be quite anxious upon the subject. He reflected that the little shop was more cozy in winter than in summer. He thought a good deal about his airy rooms in the city. "Mr. Glascow," said he, one evening, "I have made up my mind to sell ou t,an!i I think it would be well for you to bring your lore matters to a conclusion, while I am here to help you." "My love matters 1" exclaimed Glas cow, with a flush. "Yes, certainly," continued Mr. Tol man, "we know all about the young lady. Come to-morrow afternoon and see the young lady, and come to an understand ing." When she came the next day, Mr. Tol man invited her into the parlor to look at some new books, and left the room to at tend to business. When Glascow came out, bis face show ed that it was all right with him. Who should Mr. Tolman sell out to but Mr. Glascow ! And the young lady was charmed to give up her place as gov erness and take charge of that cozy lit tle store. One thing Mr. Tolman refused to sell. He made the young couple a present of Dormstock's great work, and between the nrst pages placed a bank note very much more than that of the ordinary wedding gift. When he went home he tore up Ins will. He now feels there was no necessity for proving hit sanity. New England Election Cake.— A very old and excellent recipe: Three pounds of flour, one and three-fourths pounds of sugar, three-fourths of a pound of butter, one-half pound of lard, one and a half pounds of raisins, four nutmegs, a teaspoonful of cinnamon, three eggs, six teaspoonfuls of cream of tartar, three teaspoonfuls of soda, two quarts of milk, one pound of currants ; beat sugar, flour and butter together ; add the fruit with the milk and spices ; beat the soda and cream of tartar to gether in tiie milk until it foams. To keep mucilage fresh and prevent the formation of mold, drop into the bot tle a few crystals of thymol, which is a strong and harmless antiseptic.