Part 14 (2/2)

”Mamma! Mr. White says he is longing to give you your first bicycle lesson!”

A WISH

(_By a Wild Wheelman. A long way after Rogers_)

Mine be a ”scorch” without a spill, A loud ”bike” bell to please mine ear; A chance to maim, if not to kill, Pedestrian parties pottering near.

My holloa, e'er my prey I catch, Shall raise wild terror in each breast; If luck or skill that prey shall s.n.a.t.c.h From my wild wheel, the shock will test.

On to the bike beside my porch I'll spring, like falcon on its prey, And Lucy, on _her_ wheel shall ”scorch,”

And ”coast” with me the livelong day.

To make old women's marrow freeze Is the best sport the bike has given.

To chase them as they puff and wheeze, On rubber tyre--by Jove, 'tis heaven!

THE BIKER BIKED

Henpeck'd he was. He learnt to bike.

”Now I can go just where I like,”

He chuckled to himself. But she Had learnt to bike as well as he, And, what was more, had bought a new Machine to sweetly carry two.

Ever together now they go, He sighing, ”This is wheel _and_ woe.”

Ill.u.s.tration: ”WHERE IGNORANCE IS BLISS,” &c.

_He_ (_alarmed by the erratic steering_). ”Er--and have you driven much?”

_She_ (_quite pleased with herself_). ”Oh, no--this is only my second attempt. But then, you see, I have been used to a _bicycle_ for years!”

Ill.u.s.tration: MISUNDERSTOOD

_Donald_ (_who has picked up fair cyclist's handkerchief_). ”Hi! Woman!

Woman!”

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