combativeness is a nullity--absolutely wanting--while the fullness of
the sentimental organs indicate at once the mild and peaceful
disposition of the sheep."

The squire, who had listened with great attention up to this point,
hastily rose to his feet.

"A sheep!" he exclaimed; "did you call a sheep a peaceful animal? I tell
you, sir, it is the most ferocious and unruly beast in existence. Sir, I
had a ram once--"

"My dear sir," cried the astonished lecturer, "on the authority of our
most distinguished writers, the sheep is an emblem of peace and
innocence."

"An emblem of the devil," interrupted the squire, boiling over. "You are
an ignorant impostor, and your science a humbug. I had a ram once that
would have taught you more in five seconds than you've learned from
books in all your lifetime."

And so Squire Hardy put on his hat and walked out, leaving the lecturer
to rectify his blunder as best he might.




DE STOVE PIPE HOLE[7]

BY WILLIAM HENRY DRUMMOND