“Well,” he replied, “they are not usual with me; but I remember that for some time before the date mentioned, I felt that either Mr. STEAD or I must leave the paper.”

* * * * *

One of the earliest volumes issued in connection with the newly-devised Automatic Library in use on some lines of Railway, is entitled Beyond Escape.  We understand that subsequent volumes will be Dashed to Pieces, The Broken Bridge, The Sprained Axle, The Wheelbox on Fire, The Gordon Guard, The Cruel Cowcatcher; or, Cut in Twain, The Colour-Blind Signalman, and Shunted and Shattered.

* * * * *

CROSSED-EXAMINATION.

[Illustration]

    OLD STYLE.—­Nervous Witness about to leave the box, when
    his progress is arrested by Counsel on the other side.

Counsel (sharply).  Now, Sir, do you know the value of an oath?

Witness (taken aback).  Why, yes—­of course.

Coun. (pointing at him).  Come, no prevarication!  Do you understand the value, or do you not?

Wit. (confused).  If you will allow me to explain—?

Coun. Come, Sir, you surely can answer Yes or No—­now which is it?

Wit. But you will not let me explain—­

Coun. Don’t be impertinent, Sir!  Explanation is unneeded.  Mind, you have been sworn, so if you don’t know the value of an oath, it will be the worse for you.

Wit. But you won’t let me speak.

Coun. Won’t let you speak!  Why, I can’t get a word out of you.  Now, Sir—­in plain English—­are you a liar or not?

Wit. (appealing to Judge).  Surely, my Lord, he has no right to speak to me like this?

Judge.  Be good enough to answer the Counsel’s questions.  I have nothing to do with it.

Coun. Now, Sir—­once more; are you a liar, or are you not?

Wit. I don’t think that’s the way to speak to me—­

Coun. Don’t bully me, Sir!  You are here to tell us the truth, or as much of it as you can.

Wit. But surely you ought to—­

Coun. Don’t tell me what I ought to do, Sir.  Again; are you a liar, or are you not?

Wit. Please tell me how I am to reply to such a question?

Coun. You are not there to ask me questions, Sir, but to answer my questions to you.

Wit. Well.  I decline to reply.

Judge (to Witness).  Now you had better be careful.  If you do not answer the questions put to you, it will be within my right to send you to gaol for contempt of Court.

Coun. Now you hear what his Lordship says, and now, once more, are you a liar, or are you not?