A strange race took place not long ago in Australia. A troop of eighteen
camels, laden with merchandise, arrived at Thargomindah. Some of the
enterprising townsmen arranged for a race between five of the fleetest
of the "ships of the desert." It cost a great deal of trouble to get an
even start, but it was finally done. The camel ridden by a man named
Bond made all the running, and won in "a canter." One of the "ships" is
reported to have lain down at the back of the course, and "his steering
gear getting out of order," he could not be piloted straight afterward.
[Illustration: INGENIOUS BUT AWE-INSPIRING DEVICE OF THE BOYS TO MAKE
THE HEAD OF THEIR SNOW MAN NOD, WHICH ALMOST DROVE BRIDGET INTO A FIT.]