If a serious writer can make such statements after the Belgians have defended their native country so heroically, one naturally wonders whether Herr Blocher is sane, or merely a paid agent of the German authorities.

" "Oh, you be," said the agent, comprehensively.

And suppose, too, the executioner compelled to his task,consequently an irresponsible agent, whom we cannot curse; and, finally, that these two objects compose the whole scene.

And he drove slowly and awkwardly; not an agent plainly.

This tended to great stability in the financial world, as the Bank of England, although a private joint-stock association, has from its foundation in 1694 been practically the fiscal agent of the government,having the management of the public debt, paying dividends upon it, holding the government moneys, making advances when necessary, helping the collection of the public revenue, and being the central bank of the other banks.