DURING a shower of rain the Keeper of a Zoological garden observed

　　a Man of Principle crouching1 beneath the belly2 of the ostrich3,

　　which had drawn4 itself up to its full height to sleep.

　　"Why, my dear sir," said the Keeper, "if you fear to get wet, you'd

　　better creep into the pouch5 of yonder female kangaroo - the

　　SALTARIX MACKINTOSHA - for if that ostrich wakes he will kick you

　　to death in a minute."

　　"I can't help that," the Man of Principle replied, with that lofty

　　scorn of practical considerations distinguishing his species. "He

　　may kick me to death if he wish, but until he does he shall give me

　　shelter from the storm. He has swallowed my umbrella."