Reign of Billikin by Leslie L Hilton
Elizabeth Courtland hurries through a tense day after news of a looming engagement test. A hidden love letter to Donald Forbes triggers fear of loss and sacrifice as Ruth accidentally mails it. The climax comes when Donald arrives, restoring hope that the future may be as the god Billikin promised.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Elizabeth
Ruth
Donald
Beth
Don
Annette
Natinee Newspaper Syndicate
The Eight Bells Inn Miracle Repeats a Name Change
An Innkeeper in trouble seeks a fix from a wise woman and renames his establishment The Eight Bells. A row of seven bells draws travelers to the inn, who believe they notice a mistake, boosting traffic and his fortunes but at the cost of health and stability.
Abolish the Cooling Off Chamber at Parliament
An old adjunct called the little room in the Parla chamber of deputies was abolished. Its official title is unclear. The room housed deputies to cool off and calm tensions during sessions. It had not been used for years, as debates grew warmer and quieter conduct became necessary.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Don
Chamber of Deputies
Parla
Barking for a Living in Paris A Strange Civic Gig
The article describes a Parisian rite where aspiring barkers imitate dogs to become dog revealers. After a formal exam with an official dog, the applicant earns a $20 monthly salary and patrols a beat nightly barking outside houses. Inspectors later verify payment of a dog license and pursue action if unpaid.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Paris
Stile With Spring Mechanism Stops Cattle Straying
A cycling tourist discovers an odd nut-cracker stile in Cheshire England. The two center pieces are pulled apart to pass through, then released by a bottom spring. The design means no one must climb and cattle are kept from straying.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Cheshire
England
Soldiers Who Chew Cordite
Soldiers in European armies abuse cordite by chewing it for a stimulant effect similar to alcohol. Small amounts excite and taste sweet while large quantities can induce ecstasy and visions, though nitroglycerin remains highly explosive. Several soldiers have been blown to bits, with authorities once trying to curb the habit.
Flooding the Sahara with Sea Water
A Scientific American article surveys Professor Etchegoyen’s plan to flood part of the Sahara via a Mediterranean channel to form an inland sea. It notes fears of climate disruption and misused geography, but argues the floodable area is small and could offer romantic and practical benefits without detailing long term oceanic effects.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Scientific American
Etchegoyen
Sahara
Mediterranean
Nature
Arctic
Denmark
Cannibal Scorpion Photograph Displayed
A remarkable photograph shows a scorpion devouring another scorpion. Only the last three body divisions and the sting of the victim are visible in the image.
House Martins Revenge At Farm Nest
A Country Life correspondent recounts two house martin nests by an attic window. An intruding sparrow takes over one nest, but the martins block the entrance. A boy breaks the nest to find a sparrow dead on her eggs, the martins having walled her in for occupying their home.
Whistling Hymns Debuts at Philadelphia Church
A new feature at Philadelphia Methodist Episcopal Church services for men saw congregants whistle hymns. The initial hymn was modest, but Onward Christian Soldier drew a vigorous, pleasing rendition. The movement aims for popular appeal since not all can sing, and large attendance suggests it may continue at men’s meetings.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Philadelphia Methodist Episcopal Church
One Man Without A Pull In Ferguson
A poem about workers tired of favoritism and the idea of a “pull” that lifts some above merit. It contrasts those gifted with opportunity to rise by luck or association with the many who labor unseen. The speaker urges resilience and urges brothers to seek honor through honest effort rather than favored advancement.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Ferguson
Deepal
Joyful mood after fortune changes social perks
A woman replies she feels happier since her husband’s fortune grew. She notes even the dressmaker no longer makes her wait, as someone is preparing a wedding gown. The exchange highlights improved social standing and everyday satisfaction.
A Changed Hope
In a sharp exchange two characters debate a rich uncle. One hopes for his death while the other reveals the uncle remarried and the speaker wishes him to live forever.
Got More Than He Expected
A man jokes about his wife, saying she exceeded expectations both in character and size. He notes he married her when she was slim like a gazelle, but now she weighs nearly 200 pounds. The remark plays on humor about changing appearances in marriage.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Elim
Sauerkraut Claim Refuted by Local Singer’s Wit
In a light exchange a local resident dismisses a claim that eating sauerkraut extends life. The speaker jokes that they would rather have a short but joyful life than a long dull one, reflecting humorous social banter.
One of His Charms in a Quiet Scene
A quip captures a woman’s witty answer to a man’s question about liking classical music. She says she enjoys it because it helps her avoid crowds, turning art into a practical shield. The exchange reflects light social humor.
London to have ballroom for eight thousand dancers
The article notes plans for a massive London ballroom capable of hosting eight thousand people at once. It reflects on social dynamics with a wry aside about wallflowers possibly filling the margins. The tone blends ambition with light humor.
Tax on incomes larger than his own urged by many
In a public stance some men advocate a tax on incomes exceeding an individual’s own. The message calls for welcoming such taxation as a path to broader good and prosperity.
Also Mentioned on This Page
Billikin
Leslie L. Hilton
Elizabeth Courtland
Donald Forbes
Eastern Club
Mabel Vaughn
Peter
Thames
Ascot
Richmond
Henley
Boulter’s Lock
Maidenhead
Alkmaar
North Holland
House Martins
London
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