sirable consummation of rendering the pure speech of our fathers or grandfathers unintelligible to their degenerate descendants. A noble language leads necessarily to a noble literature, and these in indissoluble union are the grandest inheritances and most justifiable pride of a nation. Rome and Greece as powers in the world have passed away, but their language and literature remain the everlasting monuments of their departed glory. Our noble English language must of necessity receive modifications and accretions as the ages roll onwards. But our present and future writers, without rejecting the new words that are certain sooner or later to enrich or extend the language, should make it their duty and their pride to transmit unimpaired to posterity the splendid heritage which has been entrusted to their guardianship. The task is more difficult now than it was a hundred years ago. At that date the contaminating influences were few and feeble. Now they are many and strong; but none the less, and all the greater, is the duty of all who can help to do so to keep, like Chaucer, the "well of pure English undefiled;" let the defile ment come whence it will, whether from the corruption of manners or the force of evil example. DUDLEY ERRINGTON. From Blackwood's Magazine. 12 every 'gentleman's race;' and during the first year I was in Limerick he must have won a large sum of money. "To be known as a good horseman was a title of honor in the regiment. The officers were not envious of their com rade's good luck, and did not object to his winning any amount of money at the risk of breaking his neck. However, Helling. ton was not much liked. He led a retired life, was seldom seen at social gatherings, never attended a ball or a picnic, and when free from duty, was mostly devoted to riding his horses over lonely country roads in the neighborhood of the city. "I had no difficulty in getting introduced to every officer in the regiment, from the colonel down to the youngest ensign; yet I never saw Hellington, except at a distance. One of his comrades, Charles O'Brien, who, after Hellington, was considered the best steeplechaserider in the regiment, and with whom I had grown particularly intimate, said to me one day, on my expressing a wish to become acquainted with his rival, 'Well, I will introduce you, if you like; but I tell you beforehand that you will make the acquaintance of a very unpleasant fellow.' "I looked at Hellington that day for the first time more closely. He had a cold, cruel face, red hair, a remarkably high forehead, and small, piercing eyes, which never looked straight at you, but seemed to wander restlessly from one object to another. For one moment our eyes met, and he must have noticed that THE LITTLE WORLD: A STORY OF JAPAN. I was scrutinizing him, for he gazed at me BY RUDOLPH LINDAU. VI. "ON establishing myself as a lawyer at Limerick, in 1854, I found a regiment of infantry stationed there, and I soon became acquainted with most of the officers. They were a set of light-hearted, jolly fellows, mostly Irishmen, heavy drinkers, passionate gamblers, and known as the best steeplechase-riders in the country. There was not one of them who would not go across country as the crow flies. But the boldest among them was Lieutenant Edwin Hellington. He was the younger son of an old and wealthy family, had a good allowance, and kept several horses. Somehow or other he always managed to get hold of the best animals to be had for money. His judgment was wonderfully correct in matters of horseflesh, and the shrewdest dealer could not get the better of him. He was present at in such a wicked manner that I at once lost all further desire to become better acquainted with him. A few days later the garrison races took place. The event of the day was a steeplechase, for which the best horses in the county and the best riders in the regiment had been entered. On this occasion Hellington rode a 'dark' horse, which passed the stand with splendid action; and on being started, he took the lead at a furious pace. "Too fast to last,' said some of the spectators. He knows what he is about,' replied others. "Indeed his horse seemed to possess great power, and led the field by a distance of ten lengths, as far as one could see. Presently all the riders disappeared behind a little copse. A moment later, on again coming into sight, several of the horses were close to each other. "White-and-blue wins!' was the t shout from the stand. 'O'Brien leads! | superior, he had nothing more to say: Where is Hellington?' he had, however, been under the impres sion that in a race everybody should have even chances; and this had not been the case, for O'Brien had known of the change in the track, and not he. "Come to grief!' some one called out; but everybody's attention was now concentrated on the little group which was fast approaching the winning-post. "Blue-and-white wins! bravo, O'Brien !' "Whilst most of the spectators rushed to the stand to see the winner weighed, the few who remained behind beheld Hellington coming up from the wood at an easy canter. His horse had evidently been cruelly used, but he sat safe and sound in the saddle. Not a spot was to be seen on his light dress; he could not have been thrown. On passing the post he left the track, and gave his animal in charge to his groom, who also looked a thorough jail-bird. Hellington was a reserved man, but now every one could see the state of ferment he was in. He evidently intended to take part in another race; for, having put an overcoat over his jockey-suit, he was standing in front of the stable talking in a loud voice to his groom, who was engaged in rubbing down the horse. "A few officers near him moved away, as not wishing to see one of their com "What has happened, sir?' "Some infernal sell,' growled Hellington. He was pale and his eyes gleamed.rades forget himself so far as to pour out "To the scales,' he said." "There were not many people round the scales, for it had been already settled that O'Brien's horse was the winner; but the members of the committee who had to weigh the riders were still at their posts. Hellington, with saddle and bridle over his arm, and riding-whip in hand, stepped on to the scales without saying a word. "Right weight?' he asked, turning to the committee; and receiving their assent, he continued, 'I protest against the race!' "A few moments later the members of the committee, presided over by Colonel Wicklow, the commander of the regiment, were assembled in judgment over the complaint. Outsiders were astonished that there was so much delay in announcing the winner's number. "Meanwhile Hellington complained be. fore the judges that the original steeple chase-track had been altered. He had heard nothing of the change, and it was due to this circumstance that he had lost the race. his grievances to a groom. Hellington was mad with rage, and seemed scarcely to know what he was saying. "About half an hour afterwards the bell rang for the second steeplechase. O'Brien and Hellington mounted together. "I shall not lose sight of you this time, O'Brien,' said the other with a savage 'Hellington wants O'Brien to take the lead,' somebody said; 'just look how he is holding back!' "The two now approached a stone wall, which they took almost simultaneously. Then came some rails, with a broad ditch on the other side. O'Brien went for it at a sharp pace. On his left, close to his saddle, was the head of Hellington's mare. "Colonel Wicklow thereupon told Lieutenant Hellington that the manner in "It was impossible from the stand to which he had brought his complaint for- judge of the exact position of the riders; ward was not very becoming, as he but about twenty yards before the rails, seemed to doubt the good faith of the one could see O'Brien turn slightly to the committee. It was Hellington's own right: immediately afterwards his horse fault, he said, if he did not inform himself | rose for the jump, but at the same insufficiently of the route of the course. stant it made a sharp movement to the But Hellington shook his head, shrugged his shoulders, and replied in an insolent manner that, if he were to be reminded that he was standing before his military right, touched with its left fore-foot the top rail, and came down on the other side of the ditch. Hellington cleared the fence and the ditch in good style, hold. ing his whip high over his head; O'Brien was thrown out of his saddle, and lay sprawling with outstretched arms a few paces from his horse. In a moment, however, he was on his legs again; managed with some difficulty to get his horse out of the ditch, vaulted into his saddle, and, amid the applause of the spectators, rode pluckily on. But the others had considerably distanced him. Captain Glenarm was leading, and won easily. Hellington's horse had become restive, and was fourth. O'Brien came in last of all. Riding at once up to the judge, he complained that Hellington had fouled him, and called all the gentlemen who were behind him to witness. "The two rivals were asked to step into the committee-room. O'Brien repeated his statement; while Hellington did not deny that he had fouled O'Brien, but said he could not help it. His horse, he said, had turned sharp to the right against his wish. It was a capricious, vicious animal, as every one who knew it could testify. "The witnesses, however, convinced the committee that Hellington had intentionally fouled his neighbor. Captain Glenarm's evidence was crushing. He declared that Hellington had the race in his hands all the time, and he could not imagine why he had come in fourth. "Hellington might have taken the lead at any moment,' he added, but it looked as if he were glued to O'Brien's horse. On arriving at the fence O'Brien turned sharply to the right, as I supposed, to get room. At that moment Hellington was perfect master of his horse, which was going quietly, I cannot for a moment imagine that he could not clear the gate about three yards to the left of O'Brien, who at that moment was on the extreme right. Hellington had the left side all to himself, as I, who was third, was several lengths behind him. I will not positively say that Lieutenant Hellington fouled O'Brien intentionally; but if he did not do so, he rode carelessly and badly, and without any judgment.' Hellington ride badly! Nobody could believe that. The race was given to Captain Glenarm. The committee refrained from expressing any opinion regarding Hellington's conduct, but the public and the whole regiment were indignant at his behavior. "On the evening of the same day Major Doneghue went to Lieutenant Hellington's rooms to advise him in a friendly way to resign his membership of the Limerick Jockey Club. "Hellington understood very well that this advice was more like a request, and without more ado penned the necessary letter. Now Doneghue was a thoroughbred Irishman, a kind, light-hearted fellow, full of enthusiasm for the noble sport, and not too scrupulous in the ethics of the turf. He wanted to say something to the unhappy young man who, with tightly closed lips, stood before him. He held out his hand. "I am awfully sorry, Hellington,' he said, that this has happened to you.' Hellington seemed not to notice the major's proffered hand, and only set his teeth more tightly as he hissed out, "I tell you, Major Doneghue, others 'will be sorry too!' "For the present, however, Hellington appeared to be the only one who had reason to regret that in his blind rage he had acted in a manner unworthy of a gentleman; for on the following day the officers of the garrison held a private meeting, at which they decided that one who, for unbecoming conduct, had been requested to leave the Jockey Club, should no longer have the honor of serv ing in one of her Majesty's regiments, and that, to avoid public scandal, Hellington should be requested to send in his commission. They could not at first quite agree as to the manner in which this verdict should be communicated to Hellington. But finally, one of his comrades undertook to break it to him in the shape of a friendly suggestion. 66 Hellington received the news with perfect self-possession. "I knew it would be so,' he said; 'I was in the way of several of you. Now the track is clear for the second-best man. Here, take this letter with you, and don't forget to mention that it was lying sealed in my desk before you came.' "On the same day Hellington prepared to leave Limerick, and on this occasion he had a conversation with his groom. "I am going to leave to-morrow morning,' he said. If you want to get a good bargain, I'll sell you my chestnut mare. I'd rather let you make a few pounds by it than a dealer. I have always been satisfied with you.' 66 6 Sir,' replied the groom, take me with you. I have nothing in the world to keep me here. I'll follow you wherever you go.' 66 "I really don't want you any longer,' replied Hellington; but you will soon find another master.' "Not one who knows about horses as you do, sir.' "It cannot be; but perhaps we may meet again. Do you want the mare?' 66 6 "I could not pay for her, sir. She is worth two hundred to-day.' "And fifty more, my good fellow; but we won't talk about that. I paid ninety pounds for her, and you shall have her at that price, if you like.' "He hesitated a moment and then added, as if moved by a sudden resolution, I'll make you a present of her take her.' "Early next morning Hellington left Limerick. Leaving his luggage at his old lodgings, he told his landlady that he would send for it in a few days. Then he went without saying good-bye to a living soul. "The next morning there was a good deal of talk about him at the military club; and then he was soon forgotten. He was a man 'overboard.' So long as he was in sight, others of the crew looked at him; but once down, nobody appeared to care for him any more. His former comrades seemed to think that he had gone to Dublin, but nobody really knew what had become of him. "A few weeks later, one dark night, O'Brien's servant Inish was awakened by a strange noise in the room next his own, where his master slept. Only half-awake, he rose in bed, and heard some one stealthily descending the stairs. Immediately afterwards the street-door was closed, and hasty footsteps were heard in the street. Then all was quiet again. The half-unconscious servant could only slowly account for what was taking place. It was dark in his room. He tried to find a match but suddenly stopped, breathless and without motion. A horrible groaning from the adjacent room caught his ear. He rushed into his master's apartment. All was dark, but from the bed there came that painful, terrifying moan. "Master!' "No reply. "Lieutenant O'Brien! Sir, speak to me!' 66 66 Only the same groaning. Rushing out of the room the man dressed quickly and flew to Captain Glen arm, who lived in the same quarters. He was trying to get a light. Glenarm lit a candle and followed the man into O'Brien's room. Everything was in its usual place; but on the bed, his face covered with blood and his eyes staring in the agony of death, lay poor young O'Brien, with his skull broken by some heavy weapon. Glenarm seized the still warm hand of the dying man. Then to Inish, who stood wringing his hands behind him, "Run for Dr. Morrison as quick as you can, my boy; and tell the first policeman you meet to come here, for a murder has been committed. But above all, get a doctor, Inish!' "Meanwhile Glenarm's servant had also been awakened, and ran at his master's request to Colonel Wicklow to report what had taken place. "About half an hour afterwards, the doctor, several officers, and three policemen stood in the room of the dying man. The doctor stated that the skull had been broken by some blunt instrument, prob ably a life-preserver. "He will never regain consciousness,' continued the doctor. He may linger a couple of hours, but his young life is hopelessly gone.' "One of the constables had questioned Inish and learned the few details he could give. The two others then left the room, to find, if possible, some fresh trace of the murderer. "If I were asked my opinion,' said Colonel Wicklow gloomily, I would say that is Hellington's work, and nobody else's. O'Brien was the favorite officer of my regiment. Nothing has been touched in this room. No robbery has been com mitted. It is a deed of fiendish revenge.' "What is that, colonel? Have the kindness to repeat it?' "These words were spoken by a tall man, with a bright, intelligent face, who had meanwhile, without being noticed, entered the room. 66.6 'My name is Hudson,' he replied to the inquiring look of the colonel; 'I am chief of the detective force.' "Before day dawned the telegraph had carried an account of the murder and an accurate description of Hellington to every part of the kingdom. In Limerick, of course, nothing else was talked of. Nobody doubted that the police would soon get hold of the assassin; and the telegraph office was surrounded day and night by a curious crowd, who hoped to learn every moment that the murderer "The servant knew not what to say. had been caught. But the wires were "For God's sake, captain, come upstairs! They have murdered my master!' "Who? Who?' 3 "Five years have gone by since then. Poor O'Brien has been buried and forgotten, and nobody has ever heard anything more about Hellington." Ashbourne was silent. A long pause followed his narrative. "He may be drowned," said M'Bean at last. "That is very possible," said Daniel Ashbourne. "If he is still alive, he will be found," said Thomas Ashbourne. "There is no room in this world for anybody who has lost his rightful placé.". silent. The proof of Hellington's guilt | ports of destination, but without success. Was he young?' "Tall or short?' "Dark or fair?' From The Cornhill Magazine. THE REVOLT OF SIR THOMAS WYATT. (A LEAF FROM OUR STATE PAPERS.) In spite of all opposition and entreaties Mary, shortly after her accession to the throne, had resolved upon a marriage with her cousin Philip of Spain. It was in vain that the most trusted of her advisers implored her not to unite herself. with the hated foreigner, but to share her crown with some English subject whose name and rank would appeal to and command the sympathies of her people. In vain France, through the delicate remonstrances of her polished envoy, De Noailles, hinted that such a match would inevitably tend to disturb the entente cordiale which then so happily existed between the courts of London and Paris. In vain the English nation, always moody and intolerant where its insular prejudices were concerned, loudly decried the alliance, and declared in sullen tones, boding future danger, that no Spaniard should meddle with their rule. Counsel and remonstrance were all futile to turn the stubborn, middle-aged woman from her purpose, and the advisers of the crown, seeing that they were powerless to make her change her resolve, reluctantly gave their consent to the match. Mary had now arrived at a time of life when it was not probable that many offers of marriage from eligible suitors would fall to her lot. Thin, worn, with the yellow complexion of her mother, and painfully conscious of |