Part 13 (1/2)

”I am madly enamoured of--my machine.”

The peer smoothed a ruffled top-knot with ineffable grace.

”Likewise am determined _you_ shall take lessons. Now it is no use, duky. I mean to be tender but firm with you.”

The Potentate gave a stertorous chortle, and, stretching out his arms, fell in a strawberry-leaf swoon on the parquet floor, his ducal head on the lap of his adored Jane.

Ill.u.s.tration: THE FREEMASONRY OF THE WHEEL.--”Rippin' wevver fer hus ciciklin' chaps, ain't it?”

Ill.u.s.tration: BROTHERS IN ADVERSITY

_Farmer._ ”Pull up, you fool! The mare's bolting!”

_Motorist._ ”So's the car!”

Ill.u.s.tration: QUITE RESPECTFUL

_Fair Cyclist._ ”Is that the inc.u.mbent of this parish?”

_Paris.h.i.+oner._ ”Well, 'e's the _Vicar_. But, wotever some of us thinks, we never calls 'im a _henc.u.mbrance_!”

Ill.u.s.tration:

_Gipsy Fortune-teller_ (_seriously_). ”Let me warn you. Somebody's going to cross your path.”

_Motorist._ ”Don't you think you'd better warn the other chap?”

THE SCORCHER

(_After William Watson_)

I do not, in the crowded street Of cab and ”'bus” and mire, Nor in the country lane so sweet, Hope to escape thy tyre.

One boon, oh, scorcher, I implore, With one pet.i.tion kneel, At least abuse me not before Thou break me on thy wheel.

Ill.u.s.tration: A motorist wishes to point out the very grave danger this balloon-scorching may become, and suggests a speed limit be made before things go too far.

THE MUGGLETON MOTOR-CAR; OR, THE WELLERS ON WHEELS

_A Pickwickian Fragment Up-to-date_