lines dispensing the ordinary edibles of the table.
Finally, after long and tiresome waiting, the office win-
dow is opened and the line moves forward at the rate
of a step in about three minutes.
Standing in those lines through hours that seem like ages, outwardly jocund, but inwardly bleeding, the cursings and ribald jests that fall upon the ear mingling discordantly with the purest strains of human affections awakened by tender thoughts and heart-longings, a rare opportunity offers us to see of what stuff these men are made. They are rough-looking fellows, most of them, even if our post-office be located in San Fran- cisco. Many of them fossil- featured with bronze coniplexion, shaggy-haired and unshaven, have torn shirts and ragged pantaloons; while their heavy boots and slouched hats are so worn and full of holes as scarcely to hold together. Are they not what they seem ? Does their aspect in any way belie them ; or see we here men of sovereign and elastic natures so disguised that even their mothers would not know them ?
Look into their eyes as you go along the line and tell me if you discovered much that you dare trifle with ; look under the unkempt hair and tell me if vou find no intellect, and through the worn vestures t^nd tough, storm-beaten flesh-coverino-s down into the heart whence ebb and flow the issues of life and tell me if you see there no pleasing pictures, no gardens or palaces where truth and loveliness sit enshrined. If you would know somewhat of them, regard them attentively as they receive and read their letters ; for he who can open a letter from the home he has not heard from for months without a flush or quickened pulse is either a very courageous or a very callous man. This letter-opening at very wide intervals is a sort of gambling with fate, in which hope not unfre- quently stakes happiness against fearful odds.
On nearino; the window the face leng-thens and looks anxious. The name is given, and the response comes
