The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1890-12-13
LORD JOHNS BARGAIN.

placency his own possessions and
achievements. He was proud In the
first place OF the tact that he was a
ST. Pierre. and at the same time con-
sidered himself n competent represen-
tatlve OF the talents and graces Of the
ancient and illustrious house OF Ston-
eyhursi. In the next place be was
very proud OF his reputation rs one OF
the best shots OF driven game In tho
United Kingdom. and Of his conse-
quent entree into many ountry-houses
where only brilliant shots were VOL
coined He WAS also proud, very
proud. OF his own perfect manners.
and plumed himself. not without cause.
on his insinuating address. IL was on
his reputation. however as a success
fnl collector OF china that he princi-
pally piqued himself. aud the trlHIng
sums which he had paid for various
articles OF vertu which ornamented
his rooms at the Albany formed his
favorite theme OF conversation. In
deed II all he said was true. and IL
all the china was really genuine he
fully deserved all the congratulations
which he claimed.
Nor did he fall to see how valuable
were the three aforementioned quail
fications Ia their reference to this lat
ter pursuit. Many cottager who
would have refused TO sell his,precious
little heirlooms TO the travelling deal
er was only too proud TO part with
them, at perhaps lower price, to a
Lord John-a Lord John, too who
spoks so prettily and made himself so
agreeable. II was grand to think that
some little figure or cup and saucer
which had stood unnoticed in the cup
board should take its place. as the
seller iondly imagined would be the
ease. among the priceless gems OF
Stoneyhurst abbey.
Johns presence too at so many
sporting places gave him opportunities
OF admission into tho interiors OF
cottagers' and keepers houses which
mi ght not otherwise have been obtain
cd. IL is not given to everyone to bo
n district visitor. tax collector, or
school-attendance officer, and without
such or similar professions IL Is not
easy TO gain an Introduction unlimited
10 the homes OF the poor. Lord John.
however, had special privileges. and
ne lost no opportunities OF avaiing
himself OF the facilities offered by
shooting luncheons in farm-houses or
keepers lodges on tho different prop
critics over which no shot
A few winters ago my brother In
law came TO shoot at my homo. Pen
Owen court, in Monmouthshire. Know
Ing. rs ! did. how unfavorably the
bags even on my best days compared
with the slaughter to which John was
accustomed, had had some hesitl-
ton In inviting him into such an out
of-the- way part OF the world.
he had heard, however. OF tho
wonderful stand at Eastfeld copplce,
said 10 be perhaps the most difficult
sporting in England, and was anxious
to Try his hand at our "rocke ters."
i hao no possible objection, and he
was invited for three days shooting.
A sod and mysterious calamity.
however. Ia connection with the death
OF one OF the heaters happened the
first day. and the unhappy incident
prevented US from carrying out the
weeks program.
Guests who have no resources 10
occupy them when sport fails are
naturally difficult TO entertain, and
consequently | was not altogether
sorry when my visitors. with the cx-
ception OF Lord John. decided upon
taking their departure the morning
which succeeded the catastrophe.
flo however remained and in the
course OF the afternoon announced his
intention OF going up TO the keepers
house. where he had lunched the pre-
vious day. and OF course | offered TO
walk there with him. Rather 10 my
surprise he seemed to have no partic-
ular desire for my society. and be-
gun TO wonder II his projected visit
Ind any connection with the mysteri-
Gus affair to which haye already al
ludcd. AT aoy rate | determined to
accompany him. and on the way ! was
made confidant OF his lordship's In
tcntious. On the previous day he had
noticed two china figures on tho keep
er's ehimney-piece, and though with
n connoisseur's natural suspicion he