The absurd canards which at an early date gained currency, in Berlinas that the United States had swallowed Canada, that the Afghans in mass were invading; India, that Ireland was plunged in civil warpoint in the same direction; and so do the barbarities of the Teutonic troops in the matters of humanity and art.

It tells how the maidens gave them dainties and sweet glances, and boutonnières of tuberoses and violets, and bloodthirsty adjurations, and blarney for blarney; gave them seven wild well-believed rumors for as many impromptu canards, and in their soft plantation drawl asked which was the one paramount "ladies' man," and were assured by every lad of the hundred that it was himself.