29 



energy of a dull day was expended in heartlessly stoning 

 them. The " still small voice," however, had whispered to 

 some effect to our member, and, moved with compassion, 

 he had, unobserved, hid one unfortunate duck in his 

 bosom, intending to let it escape at a favourable oppor- 

 tunity. The intention was good, but ere long the rescued 

 one was forgotten, and, in the rough boy-play of the home 

 journey, the rescuer was thrown flat on his face. I shall 

 never forget the scene that followed. On raising himself 

 his eye caught a dangling bit of bowel protruding from 

 under his waistcoat. A deathly pallor came over his face, 

 and, summoning all the life that was in him, and pointing to 

 the fatal protrusion, he made the appalling statement that 

 " he was burst !" and swooned away. The effect was terrific. 

 Every one seemed rooted to the spot — every eye fixed 

 upon the deadly sign. It was just a case of loved and lost, 

 however, for that loop of intestine was the saved flapper's. 



ERNEST ^ENEAS MACKINTOSH. 



