Lewiston teller. [volume] (Lewiston, North Idaho) 1878-1900, 1890-11-27
LORD JOHNS BARGAIN.

ptAceucy mrs own possessions ana
achievements. He was proud in the
dfrst place OF the tact that he was a
St Pierre. and ut the same time con-
sidercd himself competent represen-
.tative OF the talents and graces Of the
ancient and illustrious house of Ston-
eyhurst. In the next place he was
very proud of his reputation as one OF
tho best shots Of driven game in the
United Kingdom. and Of his conse-
.queut entree into many coun lighthouses
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. 1t was on
his reputation. however as a success
full collector OF china that he princi-
Pally piqued himself. aud the tritling
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
nil the china was really genuine, he
fully deserved oil the congratulations
which he claimed.
Nor did he fail to sec how valuable
we're the three aforementioned quail
locations in their reference to this lat
tee pursuit. Many cottager who
would have refused to sell his precious
little heirlooms TO the travelling deal.
or was only too proud to part with
them. at perhaps IL lower price, to a
Lord John-a Lord John. too, who
sp0ks SO prettily and made himself so
agreeable. 1t 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 fondly imagined would be the
case. among the priceless gems OF
Stoncyhurst abbey.
!. Johns presence too at so many
sporting places gave him opportunities
Of admission into the interiors of
cottagers' and keepers houses which
aight not otherwise have been obtain
cd 1t is not given to everyone to be
= district visitor, tax collector, or
school-attendance officer, and without
such or similar professions it is not
easy to gain an introduction unlimited
g tho homes OF the poor. Lord John,
Aowever, had special privileges, and
no lost no opportunities Of availing
hsmself Of the facilities offered by
shooting luncheons in farm-houses or
keepers lodges on the different prop
critics over which he shot.
A few winters ago my brother in
taw came TO shoot at my home, Pen
Owen court, in Monmouthshire. Know
Ing. as I did. how unfavorably the
tags even on my best days compared
with the slaughter to which John was
accustomed. had had some hesita-
Zion in inviting him into such an out
AI-the- way part Of the world.
He had heard. however, of the
wonderful stand at Eastfield coppice,
said to be perhaps the most difficult
sporting in England, and was anxious
@ try his hand at our '.rocke ters."
I had no possible objection, and he
Vas invited for three days shooting.
A sad and mysterious calamity.
however. in connection with the death
''of one of the heaters happened the
s4irst day. and the unhappy incident
rprevented us from carrying out the
weeks program.
Guests who have no resources to
eccupy them when sport fails are
uaturally difficult to entertain, and
consequently was not altogether
SORRY when my visitors, with the ex-
ception of Lord John. decided upon
taking their departure tho orning
(which succeeded the catastrophe.
zAo 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 l offered to
walk there with him. Rather to my
surprise he seemed to have no partic.
uiar desire for my society. and I be-
gun to wonder if his projected visit
had any connection with the mysteri-
Qua affair to which have already al
auded. At any rate determined to
accompany him. and on the way l was
made confldant OF his lordship's in
eentions. On the previous day he had
noticed two china figures on the keep
ers chimney-piece. and. though with
. connoisseur's natural suspicion he
had at the time done nothing to attract
general attention to them, he now con-
Sessed that he had every reason to be-
aieve that they were old Dresden. He
imagined them to be OF great value
and had determined to pick them up
80 cheaply as he could. 1 have never
quito been able to make up my mird
about the morality OF such n proceed
.Snr but thOrouphly disliked the i'll a