no haste to set out either. When the trio started it was nearly 9 o'clock.

There was a steady flow of conversation and badinage on the way. The night was dark and it being nobody's business in particular to keep the party on the right road, they realized too late. that they had strayed far from their destinations and were hopelessly lost until daylight should come to their aid. "Isn't this awful. What shall we do?" inquired Miss Graham.

"There is but one thing to do in this emergency," answered Donald. "We must dismount, knee-halter the horses, and make the best of it until daybreak.” "I see nothing else for it," assented. Jim.

"Nor do I," added Miss Graham, making the decision unanimous.

In a few minutes the horses were grazing, and Miss Graham and her protectors were seated on the veldt leaning against their saddles which, a little later, were utilized as pillows. Presently Miss Graham fell asleep.

"Do you know what I think?" whispered Donald to Jim.

"Miss Graham is the self-same mermaid we saw in the river."

"I think so, too, Donald." A wakeful movement by Miss Graham put an end to the conversation, and all were

soon lost in sweet repose, which lasted until morning. Then the party were able to take their bearings and managed to reach their destinations in good time for breakfast.

After parting with Miss Graham at her friend's farm, Jim said to Donald: "Which dilemma was the worst?" "You mean the best," promptly responded Donald.

"So be it," rejoined Jim.

"Well," said Donald with a merry

twinkle in his eye, "a bath is good enough in its way, but a refreshing sleep with a rose of Sharon by your side is all that the heart of man can desire."

RUSKIN'S EARLIEST IMPRESSION.

First impressions are usually of the utmost importance, and if these are good the result is often good. John Ruskin's earliest impression was made upon him. by his nurse taking him frequently to see the beautiful scene on Derwentwater, known to all who visit the Keswick convention, and to tourists in the Derwentwater district, as Friar's Crag, where you have the lovely lake at your feet, and are surrounded by the loveliest hills, upon which the light and shade play all day long in the most fascinating manner.

This being so, what could be more fitting, as a monument to the memory of Ruskin, than that shown in the sketcha large slab of local stone, bearing a striking medallion of the great art critic and painter, and inscribed with his own words, bearing testimony to this beautiful early impression of his childhood :

"The first thing which I remember as an event in life, was being taken by my nurse to the brow of Friar's Crag on Derwentwater."

On the other side are these words of his:

"The Spirit of God is around you in the air you breathe, His glory in the light you see, and in the fruitfulness of the earth and the joy of his creatures. He has written for you day by day His revelation, and He has granted you day by day your daily bread."