The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1895-09-26
AT WATERLOO BANQUET.
s; $3.50 ggYYYg

He was a factor, or estate agent, for
one of the oldest of old Scotch fam
lilies. -Four generations had occupied
the lands in his time, and each sue
ceedinS nobleman had honored him
with confidence and friendship. A
Sraunch. trusty man was he, and of
the good old-fashioned type. He had
many strange experiences. Here is
his account of one Of them:
when in London, Oh one occasion,
| met 4 man in the streets whom re-
membered as having been at one time
valet afterWard steward, to Scotch
nobleman. He was man with de-
cided personality, by no means bash
full. Sharp by name and sharp by ma
ture. Recognizing me at once, he sa-
luted in his usual faUltless style, and
stopped to exchange d few pleasant
lies. Before We separated he re-
l. ulkcu:
Now. sir, what can 10 for you in
London? l shall ever remember your
kindness in procuring good situations
fer my SONS, and shall be glad to be of
any service to you. Give me the OPP
pOrtunity now.
Il said l was obliged to him, but,
really. every sight in London seemed
to have i money value-that I had no
difficulty.
"'Oh, but, sir, I probably could get
you 4 sight that money could not buy.
Now try me-
swell, then, Sharp, could you take
me to the Waterloo banquet to-mor-
row.
1T was, to my mind, the occasion of
interest above all Others
impossible, absolutely IMPOSSIBLE
he said at once. Why. you can't know
what you are asking, sir. Not living
sonl except the officers who fought il,
the battle can get to the banquet The
rule is positively sacred. The king is
the one exception, and he has to con-
slider himself privileged guest
Oh. WELL l said in mock resent
mcnt, you insisted on my naming some
sight which money could not buy, and
the very first l mention beats you.
Good-dny. Sharp
Il was turning away when the ready
Wltted fellow sprang after me, and
with a show of spirit, said
We'll, sir, you have put me to The
test. l will Undertake to show you the
Waterloo banquet tomorrow night. On
this occasion, however, you must obey
my instructions. You must come, in
evening dress. to the opposite side Of
Piccadilly from Apsley House, at 5
O'Clock punctually. Keep your eye on
the window directly opposite to the
side Or east gate. You will see me ap-
pear there exactly at the hour. If l
hold both arms above my head and
beckon to you with my hands, you may
consider that Ill is right. If you see
me keep my arms down and shake my
head, all is wrong; you may go home.
If all is right prepare to walk leisurely
across the street towards the gate.
which you will find guarded by police
men as well Us by soldiers. Time your,
self to arrive at the gate just rs do,
for l will be visible. And then, sir,
leave the rest to me-
eve parted for the day, and I made
several calls in the afternoon, one Of
them, strangely enough, on Sharp's for
mer master, who urged me to come and
dine with him the following evening,
holding out as an inducement that he
would get several mutual acquaint-
ances with whom we should be sure to
have night Of fun and storytelling Of
IL
again. saying that I vas already en-
gagged. ......,
"'Come, come said his lordship, put
your engagement off; remember prom
Use you will meet those worthless. Do
"'Well, my lord,' I replied, I may
live to meet them again, but I shall
never have another chance OF my to-
morrow nights engagement
Come, come "a common expression
Of his lordship's, who was as good a
man as ever favored a glass Of old
port. What is this great engagement
you are so bound tor
Well, my lord, am going to the
Waterloo banquet tomorrow night
''You should have seen him whistle
and laugh as he exclaimed:
why, man, you can't possibly be so
privileged; even I could not go