BY GASTON V. DRAKE.

XX.—FROM BOB TO JACK.

Home Again.

DEAR JACK,—Well its all over. We got to Hoboken, yesterday and thinking we'd seen all the foreign lands we cared to for a little while we decided not to stay there and came right through to Yonkers. Yonkers isn't such a bad place after all, but its queer: you can stay there a year and see it all in a day while those foreign cities you can stay in only a day when you couldn't see 'em in a year. Things seem to be arranged very queerly in this world. The kitten has turned into a cat four times too large for any use and my corn in the garden has grown so high it reminds me of the trees at Versailles.

The trip home was pretty fine. We didn't find much to do at Genoa and with all due respect to Columbus's birthplace the only thing I particularly remember seeing there was a dead horse. The hotel was interesting. We had five rooms and one of 'em smelt like macaroni, another smelt like pie, the third smelt like cake, the fourth reminded me of the circus and we didn't keep the fifth. As for the house where Columbus lived we drove out to see it and that was the time I saw the dead horse. Columbus's house was a very poor sight, and between you and me I don't believe he ever lived there, because if he had he'd have gone into the business of selling cabbages the way everybody else in the neighborhood does instead of becoming a great discoverer, though I'll tell you one thing. If I'd had to live a week in that neighborhood I'd have wanted to be on the ocean for the rest of my natural life to get fresh air enough to carry me through. That's a queer thing about Italy. There's less fresh air to the square inch in Italy than there is anywhere else in the world. Pop says Italians most always sleep with their windows open and maybe that's the trouble. It is the closest country I ever was in.

We got on board the Werra Thursday morning and she's a great ship. Aunt Sarah says the only thing against her is the band that plays all through dinner, but Pop doesn't think so. He says the band is a good investment because it keeps people from eating and hasn't been known to blow a ship to pieces, which is a great thing considering the band. I liked the music. Why one night I was feeling pretty mean when the sausages were served, and I wanted to go up on deck and the band began to play the Washington Post March, and it settled my stomick right away. Besides the officers aren't so great but what they can notice kids. I got to know every officer on the boat from the deck steward down to the Captain, and when they weren't on duty they were fine; but on duty—my—you'd have thought the world depended on 'em. I tell you, Jack, I liked Chesterfield, and I liked the officers on the New York, but if a Werra man chose to throw me overboard I wouldn't care because I'd know he'd get me home safe and was looking after me whatever he did, whether the band played or not. You are ten and I'm nine but we can size up fellows just the same, and when it comes to sizing up, give me Captain Pohle and Captain Polack. They can have me for a cabin-boy or anything else. I'll get home safe as long as I'm with them and I won't have to wear rubbers either.

After leaving Genoa we sailed through a sea so blue that you could imagine the red and white and the stars and the stripes. It's called the Mediterranean and it reminds me more of America than any sea I've seen. It's pleasant. It sort of winks at you when the sun shines, but its as independent as if it was an ocean.

After we sailed about two days through this beautiful blue water we came to Gibraltar, and how it does stick up out of the water! A big insurance building is very noble in a city but Gibraltar beats everything I ever saw. It just sticks itself up and says look at me and whether you want to look at it or not you've got to. It's like Pop when he's nervous. You've got to do what he says and not say a word. Every time I've seen anything over here I've had something to say, but when I took in that bit of rock, I wanted to go off and sit in a chair and not move for five minutes. Aunt Sarah was the same way, and that's saying lots.

And if we hadn't gone ashore it would have been all right, but we did go ashore and then it seemed different. Pop took me to see a comic opera once, and Gibraltar reminded me of it. Everybody wore a costume and when we'd meet a man dressed up like an Arab we'd stop to see if maybe he wasn't going to sing a song. Nobody did though and everybody walked along as if they were going to market in Yonkers and didn't know they were at Gibraltar, which I think is awfully queer, but it has made me think that maybe when I think there's nothing to see in Yonkers its because I'm so used to it that I forget it all.

There were lots of boys selling matches and grapes and flowers at Gibraltar and Pop threw away a beautiful coin collection buying everything he could find. They take any kind of money there. But after it was all over and we were back on the Werra again and sailing towards home, I forgot all about everything except the rock and how it just made you hold your breath and wonder how on earth Spain ever let England have it.

And that's all about the trip. We're home and nothings happened. After seeing Gibraltar I'm not going to waste my ink describing Hoboken—but I will tell you one thing; when you've travelled all around the way we have and seen lots of beautiful places and beautiful things, and then come back home you're just as glad after all that you live home instead of abroad. The people on the streets at home look better and happier, and somehow or other the world doesn't seem quite so much in need of an airing as it does abroad.

Good-by for the present. Next time either of us goes anywhere I move we start up a correspondence again, for whether you've enjoyed this one or not I have.

Always yours  Bob.

An unusually small crowd turned out to witness the New England Interscholastics on Holmes Field a week ago Friday. The meeting, however, proved an exceptionally good one, and although but few records were broken, the general standard of performance was uniformly excellent. The figures were changed in the mile bicycle, half-mile run, and pole vault, and those equalled were the 120-yard hurdle and the 320-yard flat.

Worcester Academy won the meet, with English High second, and Andover third. Worcester High, last year's champions, landed in eighth place. The day was warm and still, without being sultry; just an ideal day for record-breaking. The track was in excellent condition. The standards set by the Executive Committee of the N.E.I.S.A.A., which must be attained by the athletes who are to be sent to the National Games, Saturday, were equalled or excelled in all but two events—the mile walk and the shot—and as it is well known that the winners of both these events are capable of at least equalling those standards, it was determined by special vote to send them to New York. It will be seen, too, that in every event in which the conditions are similar to those obtaining at the recent New York Interscholastics, with the exceptions of the hammer and the quarter, the New England records are superior. Verily these New England boys will be a hard crowd to beat!

The first event on the programme was the 100-yard dash. Jones of Andover won, in 10-2/5 sec., with Robinson of W. A. second, and Kane of E. H.-S. third. Jones tied the record, 22-2/5 sec., in the 220. Robinson and Kane drew second and third places. The half-mile was the best performance of the day. About fifteen started, and ran in a bunch for a lap. Then Hanson, E.H.-S., let himself out, followed closely by Albertson, W. H., and Gaskill, P. A. A. Hanson's pace proved too much for the others, and when he turned into the homestretch he was leading by twenty yards, and seemed to be adding a little with every stride. He finished in excellent form, having lowered the record from 2 m. 5-1/5 sec. to 2 m. 1-1/5 sec. There was a pretty race for second place. Albertson, last year's champion, finally got it by a narrow margin over Gaskill.

A big field started in the mile run. Mills of Berkeley took the pole and held it throughout. He gave a fine exhibition of running, and won in the fast time of 4 m. 33-4/5 sec.; but he was so far superior to the others that as a race the event was a failure. Sullivan of W. H. was second, and Palmer of Andover a good third. When the time was announced, it was thought that the record had been broken, as Laing's time was down on the score-card as 4 m. 34-2/5 sec., but on investigation it was found that Laing's record was 4 m. 32-2/5 sec.

The best race of the meet was in the final heat of the 440. Bascom Johnson, W. A., took the lead, followed by Warren, C. H. and L., and Whitcomb, P. E. A. They held this order until the turn into the homestretch. Then Johnson let out a little, and won by a scant five yards. Warren was plugging along, trying to save second place from the smaller Whitcomb, but Whitcomb gained surely, step by step, and plunged across the line second.

Hallowell of Hopkinson's won his heat in the high hurdles in 17-2/5 sec., equalling Hoyt's old record, which has stood since 1893. Edmands of W. A., who was booked to win the event, had a streak of his usual hard luck, and got mixed up with a hurdle in his heat. The final was an exciting race. Shirk of W. A. proved equal to the emergency of winning in default of Edmands, although it was only in the short dash for the tape that he managed to slip by Hallowell, who had made an unfortunate stumble. Cady of Andover drew third place. Converse of E. H.-S, won the low hurdles, as was expected. His time was 27 secs. Peters of Andover was a good second, and MacDonald of Chelsea ran third.

This Department is conducted in the interest of Bicyclers, and the Editor will be pleased to answer any question on the subject. Our maps and tours contain many valuable data kindly supplied from the official maps and road-books of the League of American Wheelmen. Recognising the value of the work being done by the L.A.W. the Editor will be pleased to furnish subscribers with membership blanks and information so far as possible.

One of the best trips in New England is to start from Hartford, Connecticut, run out through the northwestern corner of the State into Massachusetts, through Great Barrington, Lenox, and Pittsfield, and either to Springfield or back to Hartford or to the Hudson River. It is one of the best routes in the Berkshire Hills, and though there are some severe climbs, the varied scenery, the attractive towns, and the good roads make up for the few hills that must be walked. This route we shall give in the next two weeks.

Leaving Hartford at the City Hall, run along Main Street, and follow the car tracks upwards of half a mile. At Albany Avenue turn to the left, and you will find the road direct to Talcott in good condition and with few hills, until you have passed Hartford Reservoir No. 2, where there is a steep climb over the hill by Talcott and down into Avon. It is impossible to ride this hill, and you must walk about half a mile. Unless you are somewhat used to riding, you are strongly advised to walk down part of the hill to Avon, though with great care it may be ridden. Cross the railroad at Avon, and run direct five miles to Canton. There are a few hills along this part of the road, but as the road-bed is in fairly good condition they can all be easily ridden.

At Canton bear to the left and cross Farmington River, turning to the right and running up the west bank close by the railroad into New Hartford, always following the river and the railroad, sometimes between the two and sometimes to the west of the path. Turn finally, after passing Greenwood Pond, to the left of the fork, keeping to the railroad and leaving the river. There are one or two pretty steep hills here. Pleasant Valley, through which you pass next, is easy riding, and Winsted is soon reached. From Winsted to Canaan is very hilly in parts, and the rider is advised to walk up many of the hills. Leaving Long Lake on the left, follow the railroad out to Colebrook; then keep to the right at the fork, through Mill Brook—where there are some bad hills around Burr Mountain—leaving Bigelow Pond on the right, to the depot at Norfolk. Turn to the right at Norfolk, run out by Mill Pond, and take the left fork, running along the valley through West Norfolk to East Canaan, where, crossing the railroad, bear to the left, and follow the railroad itself into Canaan, crossing it once more before entering the town. Canaan is a somewhat extensive town, and there are good accommodations for the night. The distance is forty-one miles from Hartford.

Note.—Map of New York city asphalted streets in No. 809. Map of route from New York to Tarrytown in No. 810. New York to Stamford, Connecticut, in No. 811. New York to Staten Island in No. 812. New Jersey from Hoboken to Pine Brook in No. 813. Brooklyn in No. 814. Brooklyn to Babylon in No. 815. Brooklyn to Northport in No. 816. Tarrytown to Poughkeepsie in No. 817. Poughkeepsie to Hudson in No. 818. Hudson to Albany in No. 819. Tottenville to Trenton in No. 820. Trenton to Philadelphia in No. 821. Philadelphia in No. 822. Philadelphia-Wissahickon Route in No. 823. Philadelphia to West Chester in No. 824. Philadelphia to Atlantic City—First Stage in No. 825; Second Stage in No. 826. Philadelphia to Vineland—First Stage in No. 827; Second Stage in No. 828. New York to Boston—Second Stage in No. 829; Third Stage in No. 830; Fourth Stage in No. 831; Fifth Stage in No. 832; Sixth Stage in No. 833. Boston to Concord in No. 834. Boston in No. 835. Boston to Gloucester in No. 836. Boston to Newburyport in No. 837. Boston to New Bedford in No. 838. Boston to South Framingham in No. 839. Boston to Nahant in No. 840. Boston to Lowell in No. 841. Boston to Nantasket Beach in No. 842. Boston Circuit Ride in No. 843. Philadelphia to Washington—First Stage in No. 844; Second Stage in No. 845; Third Stage in No. 846; Fourth Stage in No. 847; Fifth Stage in No. 848. City of Washington in No. 849. City of Albany in No. 854; Albany to Fonda in No 855; Fonda to Utica in No. 856; Utica to Syracuse in No. 857; Syracuse to Lyons in No. 858; Lyons to Rochester in No. 859: Rochester to Batavia in No. 860; Batavia to Buffalo in No. 861; Poughkeepsie to Newtown in No. 864; Newtown to Hartford in No. 865; New Haven to Hartford in No. 866; Hartford to Springfield in No. 867.

This Department is conducted in the interest of Girls and Young Women, and the Editor will be pleased to answer any question on the subject so far as possible. Correspondents should address Editor.

Yes, my dears, I agree with you that the weather is warm. It was cold not so very long ago; and whether cold or whether warm, we must take it as it comes. To complain about the weather, to fret over it, to fuss and to fidget, and make everybody else as well as ourselves uncomfortable in consequence, is very stupid.

I have generally found that the heat or the cold, the wet weather or the dry, the windy or the cloudy day, affected me very little if I went calmly on and made the best of it. One's work should occupy one's thoughts and hands so fully that one has no time to be troubled about surroundings of atmosphere. The busy girl is happier than the indolent girl for the reason that her mind is taken up with something worth while.

A little caution about fans. Don't fan so vigorously that you put yourself into a heat by the exertion. Never fan the back of your friend's neck if you are sitting behind her. Fan with a gentle steady motion, so that waves of air strike your own face, but not so that you send icy shivers down your neighbor's spine.

On a very sultry day nothing is gained by drinking a great deal of ice-water. The more one drinks, the more thirsty one grows. A little water held in the mouth a moment, and allowed to trickle slowly down the throat, will relieve thirst more effectually than a gobletful hastily tossed off.

I wonder if my girls are careful, in these sultry days, of the comfort of their pets? The dog and cat grow thirsty, and cannot help themselves, as we can. The little singing-bird droops if it has not fresh water for its bath and in its drinking-cup. Pets are a dear delight, but they must be looked after every day, and whoever undertakes the responsibility of making their little lives happy must have them on her mind. It is surprising to watch the growth of intelligence in birds when they are daily and lovingly cared for. Of course we expect intelligence in the dog and the cat, but the bird seems less responsive; yet nobody who loves a canary or a parrot, or any other caged though contented captive, will fail to see its wonderful powers if it is cared for gently.

The question comes up every summer, how shall we best keep our homes cool during the sultry part of the day? Shall we close them and shut out the heat, or simply darken them and allow the air to come in? My way has been to open every window, both at the top and at the bottom, early in the morning, flooding the house with the sweet cool air. Then, about ten o'clock, or earlier, close the windows, except for a few inches at the bottom, and fasten shutters and blinds so that they will not fly open. Darken every room which you are not using until the sun goes down. But do not sit to read, sew, or practise in the dark. Your eyes need plenty of light. When you go into the darkened rooms, do so to rest, not to work.

Lottie and Carrie ask if I like flowers on the table. Why, certainly. Flowers should always form a part of the table decoration, and one does not need a great many. A few roses in a bowl, a bunch of white pinks with some green leaves, daisies with their glory of white and gold, ferns, whatever you can most conveniently obtain at the moment, will adorn your table well. Only bear in mind that withering, dying flowers are an offence, and not a pleasure. You must have your flowers fresh every day, and the daughter of the house is the one who should attend to this, relieving her mother of every thought on the subject.

Margaret E. Sangster.

That Fatal Letter.

The message was formed of all the words found in the letter that had more than one way of spelling, and also more than one meaning. Single letters were also used in the same way. Of these there was, however, but one, "R." The "H" was used simply to increase the difficulty of getting the clew. Connective words, of course, were omitted from the message. It was noticed, doubtless, that great care was used in avoiding in certain places words of double meaning and spelling. The awkwardness of this construction was the only clew, as where the letter said, "A man of this town," "in" being the more natural word, but, of course, according to the plan of the letter, not allowable in that place.

"Your guilt is seen. You are chased. I sent draft to Belle Isle. Meet me there. Flee or you die."

ADVERTISEMENTS.