10                                   Lord Alfred Douglas

The "Lost Chord" and the "Pelican" were making the best of
their way up to house about 3.30 the other afternoon, when the
idea simultaneously entered their manly bosoms to test their vital
energy at the automatic ' 'Try your strength'' machine which stands
in Hammond's shop. The "Lost Chord" possessed a penny; the
"Pelican" did not; and the failure of an attempt to extort this sum
from two "younger boys," coupled with the refusal of the Lost One
to waive his claim, had very nearly brought them to blows when
one of the crowd that was now fast collecting, suggested that they
should "pull, pull together." No sooner said than done. A moment
more, and the Chord had taken up the customary position, with his
feet firmly pressed against the supports provided for that purpose,
his hands firmly grasping the handles. In an instant the Pelican had
seized him round the waist, and on the fall of the coin they got off
well together. On entering the 'teens they tired perceptibly, but
struggling gamely on, had just reached 18, when the Lost Chord,
whether overcome by the excitement of the moment, or distressed
by the unwonted pressure from behind, suddenly loosed his hold!
The sequel is too terrible for publication. There are many who will
carry to the grave the memory of the heartrending scene, as the
frenzied Fowl, maddened by remorse, bent o'er the prostrate victim
of his unfortunate ambition. But enough! let us draw the veil.

The "Lost Chord" .states that, on Tuesday morning last, at Win¬
chester station, while waitingfor his train, he was suddenly aware of
a face which appeared not altogether unfamiliar to him; a closer
inspection shewed the well-known features of Mr. Nutley—late
Family Grocer and Italian Warehouseman, Kingsgate Street—who
stated that he was bound for Bristol, from whence he would sail that
night for America. The exile seemed in good spirits, and, in reply to
enquiries, remarked that he confidently hoped to achieve in a for¬
eign clime that success which had been denied him in England. The
platform was thronged with his friends and well-wishers, who
crowded round the carriage to shake his hand. As the train moved
off amidst the cheers of the dense mob, the scene was affecting to