Yet soon a rival courtier came-- A dashing dapper Lieut. R.N.; And, as this paragon pressed his claim, Oh, what could William hope for then? How could a wobbly-braided swain Vie with the actual Royal Navy, Whose stripes were half as broad again And straight, not wavy?
Then William swore (ah, Envy, ah!) "Belinda _shall_ be mine, she SHALL!" And wrote a note to his papa, Who'd just been made an Admiral:-- "Father, now that you'll fly at sea A two-balled flag in place of pennant, What do you say to taking me As flag-lieutenant?"
When William next waylaid his fair, He had his glittering "aiglets" on; Rope upon rope of gold was there, And now his rival's look was wan; He tried a bitter sneer, to greet This "peacock preening in the sun"; But Miss Belinda thought them "sweet".... And William won.
MR. PUNCH'S POTTED FILMS. THE AMERICAN THRILLER.
THE EXPLOITS OF JEMIMA ANN. 159th EPISODE.
[Illustration: Jemima Ann, entering her 200 h.p. car, is handed a missive. Something suspicious in the appearance of the bearer determines her to take it to her friend, Professor Macpherson, the distinguished inventor.]
[Illustration: In the meantime news has been brought to the members of the Scarlet Skull Gang that Macpherson has invented the most deadly silent pistol ever constructed. Determined to get the secret of this weapon, they proceed surreptitiously to his residence, taking with them an adjustable periscope.]
[Illustration: Jemima Ann shows Macpherson the missive. While he is explaining to her the construction of the new pistol she detects the periscope. Macpherson continues his explanation, but makes a vital change in the arrangement of the various parts of the weapon.]
[Illustration: The Scarlet Skull Gang, in their secret armoury, construct a pistol from the information clandestinely obtained through the periscope.]
[Illustration: Macpherson has advised Jemima Ann to keep the appointment requested in the missive. He accompanies her to the corner, and then bids her to proceed alone without fear.]
[Illustration: End of 159th episode. 160th episode to-morrow.]
[Illustration: _Disgusted Tommy_ (_to prisoner_). "You can't 'elp bein' a bloomin' Bosch, but yer might blow aht yer chest, or 'old yer 'ead up, or somethink! Lumme! I'm ashamed to be seen walkin' with yer!"]