II.—The Secretary of the Athletic Club.

"And what," I queried, with my pencil poised in the air above my eager notebook, "are your views on Woman?"

"Ah! the Woman Question," he said, meditatively, and became silent for a while. He leant back in his chair; and I thought, as I gazed on that fine brow, supported by those strong hands, those page 28 noble eyes half-veiled by the thoughtfully drooping lids, of some primal Intelligence brooding over the void and infinity of untreated chaos. What, I thought to myself, may not emerge from that brain? Here is no dilettante mind, facile and frivolous, liable at any moment to be swept off its feel by the idols of the theatre and the market-place; this man has drunk deep of the twin founts of Science and Law, holy sisters; no superficial fluency will content him. I had always admired him from the days when, two young men together, we bad, in attenuated harriers' costumes, roamed the hills of Wadestown and Karori discussing the deeper problems of life; I was now deeply impressed.

"Well," he said at last, in tones of judicial mastery, "I don't know. I think they're an insoluble mystery, these women. Like Abraham Lincoln, they belong to the ages. I have met many women In my time. Like the Sphinx or Mona Lisa, you gaze at them and they gaze at you, and who is the better for it? Some, indeed, are like the basilisk—you gaze at them and are turned to Stone. Take the women up here now." I gathered he referred to V.U.C) "When I came here first they used to be quite a decent lot; they had sense, understanding; but look at them now—look at—, for instance. She's—er—silly, if you know what I mean? I told her so, but it didn't seem to make any impression. I don't know; there may be an improvement in the future."(We are glad to reflect that this is apparently so.— Editor)

"Thank you," I said, "your remarks will, I am sure, be of great use to the readers of 'The Spike,' many of whom are at an age when the words of one who has experienced much and meditated deeply must be of the utmost use to them. And now, tell me —I understand you occupy a position of considerable importance as Secretary of the Athletic Club, and are yourself an athlete of no mean prowess—can you give our readers any points in this respect?"

"I have been privileged to pull off one or two small events at odd times," he answered modestly. "Nothing very great, you understand. And as I have often told you before, the only way to do these things is, stick to the man in front. There's nothing in it, really. Stick to him, even if you have to bite a piece out of his back. I have lately taken up dancing, myself; I find it is very good for stiffness of the joints. The late nights are a draw back, however, A man also needs generally to summon up all his self-command in the supper-room. One cannot run on a diet of meringues and American ice-cream soda."

"I have seldom had an opportunity of getting near the meringues myself,' I murmured."However, I shall bear your advice in mind. Is there any other statement you would care to make for publication?"

"Well, no," he said. "I am an aging man, and have lately had to carry an umbrella with me on extended journeys; however, if there is any point upon which you may be doubtful at any time, and which I may perhaps be able to elucidate for you, do not hesitate to approach me. By the way," he added with some alarm, "I understand you meditate joining the Tramping Club."

page 29

Be reassured," I said. "I am bound with triple brass. I know the girls, and I love them all—like sisters."

He clasped my hand, and we parted in tears.