The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1898-10-01
g&lett Stnrp.
A MONARCH ON THE M0ORS.
From the London Truth.

date. when that great Yorkshire magnate,
the Marquis of B, entertained GER
tain Imperial parsonage at his princely seat
in the East Riding, for the opening OF the
grouse season. Of the distinguished party
hidden to meet the Imperial guests | was
by far the least distinguished, being youn-
ger son of house, noble indeed, but al
most bankrupt, and much too respectable
to have any chance of achieving smartness.
But have great and deserved reputa-
ton for one thing-for my shooting. In
fact, am among the dozen best shots in
England. On that account, doubtless,
the Marquis of B had invited me,
having an eye to the size OF the bags winch
he hoped to secure over his moors on that
important occasion.
I need not say that | had accepted the
invitation with delight. The Marquis
grouse moors are some of the best in the
country, but also had welcomed the IN
yitation for another reason. As young
diplomat out of work, badly needed some
snug appointment. The government re-
garded my claims coldly. Indeed, it was
reported that leading member of the
cabinet had had the bad taste to remark
that too many members of my family were
foisted upon the taxes already. 1t is true
that nv father two Of my uncles and three
of my brothers all held posts of more or
less value-mostly less-under govern
ment. But that was no fault Of mine.
Why should | suffer for it? That the ad-
yancement of one kith and kin should be
one s own detriment was surely the most
unreasonable and unnatural state OF affairs.
[ did not, however, despair of getting
something. The Marquis Of B had
been rather civil to me, and II could only
induce him to put forward my claims, |
knew it would be all right; his influence
in government circles being immense.
When had last met him in town, | had
entered to hint a request for his good
offices. And he had half promised to do
what he could for me. Since then | had
heard nothing further; but [ hoped that
nv visit to B Castle would give me
the opportunity to put him in mind that |
was still left unprovided for.
went down to B Castle on Aug.
IL. 1t was brilliant gathering that |
found there assembled; indeed, to have
been privileged to form one of such house
party was thing to remember for the rest
of one life. We were ten guns, all told;
and of the ten, nine were as good shots as
YOU were likely to meet in day march.
The tenth was less efficient Dare |
breathe the truth? Have | the audacity
to hint of one who fancies himself as Ad-
mirable Crichton that in the use of the
shotgun he has his superiors? [ heard it
whispered first Of all in the smoke room
that evening, when the elders had gone to
bed and left few of us juniors there by
ourselves. Some one, more disrespectful
than the rest, raised the question Of his
Imperial Majesty's proficiency with the
fowling piece.
''What | want to know" he said
perhaps it was his third whisky and soda
that had emboldened him so-''what |
want to know is-can the Emperor really
shoot p
1.-THE newspapers say that he is one Of
the finest shots in Europe replied some
body else.
"Ah The newspapers? But Of what
value are their statements in these days of
wholesale inspiration, my good fellows?
Morden, you ought to know. | believe
you We shot with him. haven you? What
do you say?'
He turned as he spoke to young Wis
count Morden. who had been lately at
tached to the British embassy at -,
where he was understood to have made
himself persona grata to the monarch whom
they were now discussing.
II have shot with him. admitted the
Viscount, laconically.
land can he shoot ?
''Is it discreet to discuss the matter just
now? remarked his lordship, looking ap-
prehensively at the door.
''Oh it's all right. Nobody will come
at this time said the first speaker.
''Don't be afraid, Morden. They cam
send you to a fortress in this country. Tell
us-do.
Morden looked again at the door to make
sure that it was shut Then he gave ut
terance to the following significant obser-
walton
II only pray God that B doesn't
place me next on his left tomorrow.
''Phew ! he is dangerous then 2
Except to the birds-very.
''Does B know it p
''He does
ssThen what the devil did he invite him
here to shoot for 2
"My dear fellow, it was not BIS
doing. As is necessarily the case on these
occasions, H. |. NJ. invited himself.
ssHas the Emperor ever shot anybody,
Morden?'
ssSh-sh. There was that sad affair Of
Young Won P. in the forest of F.. whis-
pered the Viscount "But the Imperial
manslaughterer's aid-de-camp was made
the scape- goat. And the editor of the
only paper that dared to publish the truth
is still languishing in the fortress of H.
There have been other accidents-to beat
ers; but they scarcely count. However,
[ would recommend all you fellows to be
ready to fling yourselves fat on your stom-
achs at any moment, in case the Imperial
barrels swing round in your direction. 1t
is better to offend an Emperor than to be
despatched, without notice, into the King
dom Come r
The Viscount had, also, by this time
consumed his third whisky and soda; and
can sequently become more talkatiye.
sYou prayed God, just now said,
ssthat our host wouldn place you tomor-
Fl s7-T7 a. d. ono