4Q . THE OCTOPUS, 



Although I had once seen the octopus in question crawl out 

 of the water on to the rocks above the surface in the daytime, 

 and had often witnessed his activity during the dark hours, and 

 the suriDrising rapidity of his progress by crawling or walking, he 

 had not been seen to do all of which he was accused. Every 

 opportunity was, therefore, given to him of continuing his incur- 

 sions into his neighbours' compartment, and it was hoped that he 

 would be caught in the act. So acute, however, are these 

 creatures in their perceptions, so quick of sight, and so sensitive 

 to the light of even a distant lantern, that our suspected pirate 

 would not start on a buccaneering expedition whilst anyone was 

 cruising in the building. He seemed to know that he was watched ; 



On his feelers, long and curly, ■, 



Homeward then he gently strode ; 

 And you'd have to get up early 



To perceive him on the road. 



But it happened Mr. Lawler, 



Whom the lump-fish ought to thank, 

 Caught this very early caller, 



" Dropt-in" on his neighbours' tank ! 



For some weeks the world lump-fishious 



Very strangely vanished had ; — 

 So the visit was suspicious, 



And appearances were bad ! 



Well for him, this brigand larky 



Was not brought before J. P. 

 (Neither clergy, nor squire-archy) 



But to Mr. Henry Lee. 



Said he, " Punish on suspicion, 



Is a thing I never will — 

 Catch him in the same position ; 



Then I'll send him to the mill !" 



Treadmill is a wear-and-tear case, 



And Octopus would, you see, 

 Do four men upon a staircase — 



Law, how tired the beast would be 



