FIGARO Photograph by Sport & General Press Agency The Badminton Magazine A LOOK ROUND

BY ALFRED E. T. WATSON

LAPSED The “ Look Round ” valuable Lennox Plate—Gatwick, and a RACE MEETINGS this month reveals day at Lewes, always particularly very little of the sport welcome to frequenters of that very I am accustomed to describe, as since I picturesque course ; then would have wrote last there has been almost a blank followed Derby, Manchester (big prizes in the racing world. We are driven to at both places) and Doncaster with its consider what meetings there would have cards crowded with interesting items. been in the ordinary course of events, and There will be no Gimcrack Club dinner to condole with the owners of horses who next December, and so the long-continued would have shared the many thousands fight between Colonel Hall Walker and of pounds originally offered for com­ Mr. Hulton temporarily lapses ; indeed petition during the weeks which have it will be remembered that the meeting intervened. Up North there would have was abandoned last year, prior to which been Stockton, Redcar, and York; in Mr. Hulton had won thrice running with the South, Bath, Hurst Park—with the Stornoway, Flippant, and Lomond, and

F no. ccxliii. vol. xliii.— October, 1915. 144 THE BADMINTON MAGAZINE in the five years from 1905 to one of half-a-dozen in the same owner­ 1909 the owner of the blue-and-white ship, Analogy among the others. Colonel check, cerise cap, had been victorious Hall Walker had seven in, but their with Colonia, Polar Star, Royal Realm, names, Prussian Blue, Pageant, Rock and, missing it by three-quarters of a Perch, Belle Royal, King Robert, Many length in 1908 with Queen Mother, again Lands, and Follow the Fiag convey little in 1909 with Lily Rose. This is an even impression, though Many Lands, a more constant record than that of Lord daughter of White Eagle and Colonia, Rosebery in the National Bleeders’ seems able to go a bit. Produce Stakes at Sandown, for though Amongst those that might have been he has won this race on five occasions they encountered is Mr. Neumann’s Figaro,

ROI D’ECOSSE

Photograph by Sport & General Press Agency extend over a period of sixteen years, of whom a picture is given, and there are Chelandry in 1896, Cicero in 1904, some people who rate this son of Sun- Traquair in 1906, Neil Gow in 1909— dridge and Sirenia as the best out so far. the last two sons of Chelandry, so that He is at any rate 6 lb. in front of Mr. J. they kept it in the family—and Prue in Barrow’s Marcus,' a colt who has a vervj 1912. Lord Rosebery must be glad that high home reputation, and a very long the race was instituted, for it was worth way in front of Roi d’Ecosse, also por­ (a nominal) £5,000 when he began to win trayed here, having earned distinction it. If the stories current of Atheling are by carrying off the Chesterfield Stakes. correct, Mr. Hulton might have taken his The Roi Herodes did not, indeed, last fourth Gimcrack, as very likely the colt year do all that was expected of them would have been trained for it. He is after The Tetrarch’s brilliant season; still, A LOOK ROUND 145

seven of them won eleven races worth argument put forward by Colonel Hall well over £4,000, and it is a pity that Walker in his contribution to this Roi d’Ecosse has to be disfigured by the magazine last month as to the trans­ blinders which will be seen in the photo­ mission of merit through the dam, graph. Mr. Persse makes no secret of though at the same time it must of course the fact that the colt is decidedly shifty, be admitted that Sirenia has invariably and I fancy has an opinion that 11 he had been mated with horses of the highest, run straight he would have been very or well-nigh the highest, rank. We are near to Figaro in the July Stakes. I am alwavs rather accustomed to talk not sure th a t Mr. Persse goes quite so prematurely about the “ best out. ” Some­ far as to think that Roi d’Ecosse might thing more of Figaro will, however, be have beaten the winner. ascertained soon, for he is in the Rous

VANITIE

Photograph by W. A. Rouch Sirenia has been a regular gold-mine Memorial at the First October and in to her owner since she successfully the Middle Park ; but as it happens a brought off a very outside chance in the number of young ones who have made Jubilee in 1900, a Classic winner in names for themselves are omitted from Electra figuring amongst her produce, what is sometimes called the “ Two-Year- and indeed I think it may be assumed Old Derby.” There have been rumours that Electra ought to have won the of the excellence of Mr. J. B. Joel’s Oaks as well as the One Thousand. All King’s Joker, the son of Sundridge and Sirenia’s offspring have had the gift of Absurdity, and the fact of his being a going, which seems to strengthen the half-brother to Black Jester is certainly

F2 146 THE BADMINTON MAGAZINE nothing against him, even if the Leger Chesterfield Course Stakes, Vanitie winner has somewhat lost caste by his scored very easily by five lengths. It failures in the Princess of Wales’ Stakes, may be asked where Volta comes in, but and, especially, the Newmarket Gold Cup. according to what happened at New­ As for the former race, Sir John Thursby market in June there was very little to was sceptical as to Black Jester’s ability choose between Lord Carnarvon’s son of to give his Rossendale 21 lb., and it is a Valens and Mr. H ulton’s son of Gallinule’s pity that this three-year-old is not to be old age. There has been nothing much seen in the September Stakes, the sub­ more like a dead heat this season. I do stitute for the St. Leger, the more so as not know how true it may be that Volta he stays so well. This race and several did not get away well in the Three-Year- others of very special interest will be Old Sweepstakes—I failed to observe that over long before these pages appear, one he was left. Mr. Winans has not had of the drawbacks of having to write so much luck on the whole, considering the long in advance; for the meeting in money he has spent on bloodstock, Sir

THE START FOR THE COVENEY PLATE

Photograph by W. A. Roach mid-September, too late for comment in Martin in particular having been a dis­ this issue, promises to be full of exciting appointment after starting favourite for incidents. Presumably Pommern will the Derby in which he fell. I think I win the September Stakes, at any rate have before noted that Richard Marsh he will be a strong favourite, and a mild and Joseph Cannon were agreed that sensation will be created if he is beaten. there was little, if anything, to choose * * * between Sir Martin and Minoru—they SOME One of the pictures were galloped together — and probably SPEEDY HORSES given this month is the King’s horse when at his best was of Mr. Louis W inans’ rather better than generally supposed. Vanitie, the American-bred son of Ogden Except Adam Bede, who won the Cam­ and Veil, who has some pretensions to bridgeshire with the 10 lb. penalty he be considered the speediest horse in had earned in the Duke of York Stakes training. Vanitie has won three of his at Kempt on, Mr. Winans had for the last four races, and though it is true that most part been unfortunate with his Torloisk was giving him a stone in the horses until the appearance of Vanitie— A LOOK ROUND 147 a son of Sir Martin’s sire. Among would be readier to recognise the diffi­ disadvantages of the huge fields which culties. This Plate enabled Mr. F. C. have often been running at Newmarket Stern’s charming filly Sentiment to since racing was stopped elsewhere is break her maidenhood, though it is to that it must not seldom be considered be feared that she is not nearly so good doubtful whether the best horse has won. as was at one time hoped ; but much is

There wrere seven and twentvj runners for expected from a daughter of Spearmint the Soham Handicap in which Vanitie and Flare, and it may be claimed for her finished unplaced. I happened to watch that she has only once been out of a this race with the colt’s owner, and know place, when she finished behind Vaucluse that he did not accept the performance and Silver Tag for the One Thousand. as approximately correct. Vanitie will

BLUE STONE MAKING THE RUNNING IN THE FIRST CLASS OF THE CAXTON HANDICAP

Photograph by W. A. Rouch in all likelihood have run again before some notable One of the interesting these pages are read, in the Flying w i n n e r s problems that have to Sweepstakes, for which there can be be solved is that be­ only eleven starters, including the three tween the two fillies just mentioned, first two - year - olds Eos, Star Hawk, and and second for this One Thousand, and Amphitryon. Volta and Torloisk are, I am rather inclined to the opinion that however, again engaged, and at the Silver Tag will prove the better of the time of writing both are doing well. pair, an idea which, indeed, is evidently A picture included is of the start for that of Mr. Dawkins, who has made the Coveney Plate, which is about as Silver Tag give the other 2 lb. in the good a send-off as could well be Cambridgeshire. W ith regard to Mr. brought off; Mr. Coventry officiating. Tanner’s Carancho, on the day on which If racegoers saw more of starts they I am writing, a letter from this gentleman 148 THE BADMINTON MAGAZINE appears in the papers stating his readi­ I have included a picture of Blue Stone ness to match his colt to give any three- making the running in the First Class of year-old in the United Kingdom 7 lb. the Caxton Handicap, because the picture and to meet any older horse at level strikes me as giving such a good idea of weights over the last two miles of the a race Behind the Ditch. He seems to Cesarewitch course. Pommem is only be fighting for his head, but he ceased to set to receive 2 lb. from Carancho in do so some way from home and failed to the Cesarewitch, and in the Cam­ finish in the first half-dozen, and indeed bridgeshire Pommern has to give this very useful horse has only won a precisely the weight which Mr. Tanner single race—fortunately a good one, the

CH. FILLY BY WILLIAM THE THIRD VENERATION II., BRED AT SLEDMERE AND SOLD FOR 3,000 GUINEAS

Photograph by IV. A. Rouch thinks Carancho could give to Pommern. Coronation Cup at Epsom—during the It is not suggested, however, that last two years. Carancho has sufficient speed to beat the other over nine furlongs. Mr. YEARLING Breeders of bloodstock have Tanner is an excellent judge and SALES had a mournful time of it, a may of course be right. I fancy, how­ large number of good-looking ever, th a t if Carancho 9st. and Pommern yearlings having passed through the ring 8 st. 7 lb. were to be found in opposition without an offer of anything approaching the latter would be a decided favourite ? to the sire’s fee, and it is sad to think of A LOOK ROUND 149

THE GRAND STAND AT CHELTENHAM WHICH HAS BEEN TURNED INTO A HOSPITAL FOR THE WOUNDED

TROOPERS OF THE HANTS CARABINEERS AT LINGFIELD PARK Photographs by Sport & General Press Agency 150 THE BADMINTON MAGAZINE what were possibly really good animals the events which are now closing, or being cut and turned out when in the already closed, for not having been ordinary course of events they might, nominated for good races they will have doubtless many of them would, have to put up with very small rewards if contributed to the reputation of the left without engagements. The policy is British thoroughbred and done invalu­ short-sighted, because in so many cases able service for the cavalry. It is little subscribers could escape, should the short of heartrending to compare the animals fail to redeem their promise, for totals received for yearlings in 1913 and very trivial forfeits. 1915. In this respect the daughter of William the Third and Veneration II. s o l d i e r I am giving pictures of for whom Mr. Hulton gave 3,000 guineas spectators the Grand Stand at Chel­ stands out alone. Captain J. G. R. tenham, turned into a Homfray made a great fight for the hospital for the wounded, and of the half-sister to Craganour and Glorvina, Lingfield Park stands and enclosure though he told me that some men who where troopers of the Hants Carabineers are esteemed sound judges did not care are watching the sport. When the very much about her. It is hard to guess volumes of this magazine are turned over in what particular she failed to please in days to come these photographs will them. The dam has certainly done well afford interesting reminiscences. Racing for Sledmere. For Craganour Mr. Bower has furnished healthy entertainment for Ismay gave 3,200 guineas, for Glorvina multitudes of soldiers during the present Lord Derby paid 3,000 guineas, and it is troublous times, and I think there can generally considered that Mr. Hulton surely be no doubt that the Authorities ought to have an excellent bargain at did very wisely in carrying on. It is the same price. Breeders and purchasers only to be hoped that an effort will be of yearlings seem to be making a serious made to bring off some steeplechase mistake in not entering their horses for meetings during the winter. THE COURAGE OF CONVICTION

BY OWEN MOORE

P e r h a p s , for the sake of clearness, it neighbourhood. There is one thing would be well to explain the position of about the really clever woman, and that Meek right away. He is a comparatively is that few men ever realise exactly how unimportant person and therefore it is clever she is. The woman falling just better to introduce him at this early short of real cleverness keeps the men stage than to waste space on him later always on their guard, and so is heavily on. The Fates sent him to Rugby, handicapped from the start. However— where he performed neither very well Mrs. Petrie bought the Fielding estate nor very badly. Afterwards he strug­ some ten years or so before Sammy Meek gled through “ Mods.,” and nearly had the pleasure of her friendship. The scratched before going further. A spurt late Petrie, it was supposed, had done of strenuous work, almost at the last fairly well in the Indian tea trade. Under moment, got him through “ Greats ” such painful circumstances did he depart with a passable amount of distinction, this life (so it was said) th a t mention of and a little more speed would have got his name was best avoided in his widow’s him his Soccer cap. After some years of presence. Before shuffling off this mortal fairly useful, but not too hard work, he coil he had been considerate enough to achieved a house-mastership at Dun- make very generous provision for his bridge, and there he made the acquaint­ widow to be. ance of Mrs. Petrie. Mrs. Petrie was essentially a modem The lady was forty, and, sometimes, product in the female line. So very when things went awry, looked it. In modern, in fact, that the number and the ordinary way she might have been standing of her feminine acquaintances anything between thirty and thirty-five. was few and small. The fact occasioned Young Jackson, who, of course, was her no great visible grief ; if it gave her young and consequently inexperienced, sleepless nights the morning sun showed thought her twenty-five ; as he was no sign of the ravages. And yet it is something of a favourite of Fortune, he hard to offer any opinion as to why this went abroad before he found out. was the case. She was pretty (as has Yet there was very little real fault to been said) ; she was charming and be found with Mrs. Petrie. She had attractive (as has been suggested) ; brains, but that is no disadvantage when travelled, rich, cosmopolitan, educated, one’s shooting is by far the best in the possessed of a fine sporting estate, 152 THE BADMINTON MAGAZINE

popular (especially with Army and Naval imagined that her new driver’s skill did men) and none ever ventured to doubt not impress her very favourably. or hint at her moral standing. She sacked him without troubling to Why then should the women . . . .? mince words, and, inserting an advertise­ Heaven knows ! ment in one of the morning papers, gave As to her sporting tastes and activities up some considerable time to inter­ there was only one possible opinion. viewing the applicants thereto. From “ Madame,” said Colonel Weston, the general scramble emerged Hollerway. paying the compliment of his life. His apparent qualifications were little “ Gad, if you had been a man, we’d better than half-a-dozen of his com­ have had some fine times ! ” petitors, but his impudent manner and “ I think, Colonel ” replied Mrs. Petrie, air of cocksureness rather amused his snapping open the breech and slipping future employer. in cartridges, “ that is one of the most “ I’ve bought a sparrow,” she told sincere compliments I have ever Sammy Meek, when that gentleman received.” called by invitation for a knock round “ It was intended to be, madame,” the links the next afternoon. said the soldier. “ What for ? ” he asked. “ I am sure it was,” she answered. “ Twenty-five shillings a week, food And, the birds coming over at that and rooms.” moment, they fired together with an “ Yes, but what for ? ” equal success. The fishing, the shooting, “ Oh, I see. Drive the station ’bus, the golf, the sport in general was at the general work, washing down, and -unquestioned disposal of the lady’s repairs.” friends. And it says much for her “ Oh ! ” character that outsiders and bounders “ Yes. You must see him perk his never found their way to the house head on one side and preen himself. parties. Her tact told her when a He gives the impression of having been woman’s presence would be acceptable used to a sanded cage with a bit of in sport ; she was never a handicap. cuttlefish stuck through the bars. I’m There must have been (during the ten rather interested to see how Johnson years) many aspirants to the position takes him. Somehow 1 have an idea of Petrie, deceased. When, and where, that Johnson is in for an exciting time.” and how the proposals were made is of Sammy hit a low, screaming shot to little interest. the fourth, The ball topped the bunker In the course of time it was considered and rolled to the edge of the green. necessary to engage a new second Mrs. Petrie gave him an approving chauffeur, vice one Slingsby, licence “ Good shot, sir ! ” and spoiled his suspended. Johnson, the first driver, satisfaction by taking the cleek and had an idea that his own nephew was landing six feet from the pin. A man the ideal person for the position. He has a perfect right to be disgusted with secured this young man a week’s trial, a woman who can handle a cleek and an awful mess he made of the job. properly ; it is tantamount to flying in He so mishandled the 30-90 h.p. the face of Providence. Vauxhall that he was forced to change Her anticipations regarding the new down on River Hill where the steepest second chauffeur proved strictly correct. gradient is only 1 in 3f, and this for Hollerway had a rather unfortunate merely three hundred yards. As his habit (for Johnson) of diagnosing a employer, when driving herself, generally pronounced knock as due to an advanced roared over the hill on top at a speed of magneto setting when his superior had something like thirty-five it can be already stated that the cylinders were THE COURAGE OF CONVICTION 153

dirty and must be taken down for driving powers. In this way did he scraping purposes. speedily come into his own as an adjunct Then, such is luck, Johnson ran out to the serving establishment. Shortly the gear-box of the Adler while Hollerway he encroached into the house itself, and won the local hill-climb on the Vauxhall worked wonders with stubborn electric against cars of almost double the engine lights and heaters. When once he had capacity. Were we greatly concerned taken charge the fuses blew less in this place with scientific details, the frequently and at more convenient times, exact carburettor setting that he and the central heating plant really did favoured could be given, and almost give out an agreeable glow during the every hill-climbing motorist would weep winter months. in sheer gratitude. As we are not we It follows that the maids set their caps let that pass. at him as is the world-old way of maias. Johnson followed his nephew and, in He countered the attacks rather cleverly, the words of the old writer, Hollerwav though it was said As a matter of reigned in his stead. The new head fact, Mollie O’Hara said it. Ouoth she : driver was a fine mechanic, while making “And it’s the mistress herself I’m thinkin’ no claim to possessing any great ye’re after.” engineering qualifications. His know­ Being from the Green Isle one has ledge had been picked up during the little difficulty in believing that this is course of a rough and tumble workshop just about what she would say. career in various garages. Someone “ Yaas ! ” said Hollerway. discovered that he was possessed of good “An’ ye’ll be havin’ her,” continued hands for gears, and he was promoted Mollie. Dropping into the vernacular to the wheel. To see him handle a big, she added, “ I don’t think ! ” green Napier touring car was an Hollerway squinted at the filament of education. He slid silently up to the a dining-room lamp, swivelled on the pavement, his wheels three inches from steps, and gazed at her solemnly before the edging, and the passenger door dead answering. level with the house. When going away “ No,” he retorted. “ I carn’t say he slipped through first, second, third, yer do give that impression.” and into top with no more noise or Both the accent and the grammar jerking than is given by the bolt action left something to be desired (and the of a well-oiled rifle. In a street nine reply in itself, to a lady, was unpardon­ inches wider than his full lock he never able), but its crushing qualities must be failed to circle clear at the first attempt. admitted. And Mollie wilted. So, in At seventy-five along the straight he this manner, the household drifted on held a bounding car dead to her course into August of 1914. After this m onth and evoked gasps from the passengers the coming and going of the guests when they glanced at the speedometer. became more hurried. Uniforms took To this driving skill he added an uncanny the place of well-cut civilian clothes. nose for tracing troubles, and he was able, The visits were shorter in their duration. in addition, to carry out most of his own Mrs. Petrie was greatly impressed with repairs. It will be agreed then, that, the cry of “ Business as usual.” It was when sober, Hollerway approached very owing to this, she announced, that the closely to that hitherto unknown bird the big establishment was to be kept up ; “ perfect chauffeur.” she had no desire to throw her dependents The seal was set on his reputation into the ranks of the unemployed. The when the skilled amateur drivers of the sport was to be maintained for such of Petrie circle—all of them good sports­ her friends as survived. men—openly acknowledged his superior A firm of engineers had just previously 154 THE BADMINTON MAGAZINE to this tendered for the erection of a new efforts of the self - described expert power plant for the lighting and heating drivers and mechanics to start the of the house. The engine was to be engine. His girth had visibly increased provided with its own gas-producer, and during the short time he had held the new dynamos were to be installed. The job of testing recruits. estimated cost was something over With Hollerway he got something of l,000, and, after due consideration of a shock. That worthy opened the petrol the “ Carry on ” and “ Business as cock, tickled the carburettor, switched usual ” slogans, the lady of the house on, and gave the handle a pull up. decided not to defer the work. When Nothing in particular happened. He the job was fairly well in hand and the gave a second tug, his ear close to the plant delivered the makers accepted a radiator. Then he looked up. big Government contract, and their men “ What faded cats’-meat man has were withdrawn from all private work. been monkeying about with this ? ” he The completion of the order was deferred asked. to some date in the nebulous future. The non-com. looked pained at the Whereon Hollerway came to the biting personal reference. The recruit rescue and, working chiefly by rule of opened the bonnet, and gave his opinion thumb, completed the installation. The of the trouble. Then he announced that result showed traces of amateur finish in the fool responsible for the mix-up could places, but so far as the actual working unmix it before he’d bother himself to was concerned it proved quite satis­ try and start the engine. And, after factory. As a token of her gratitude proving his worth in this way, the Mrs. Petrie gave him a ten-pound note medical officer rejected him ! and a week’s holiday. And so he returned to his employment By a stroke of good fortune, during with his temper slightly frayed. The his absence, the engine-makers found day following his return he took his (said his employer on his return) that employer out in the Vauxhall. In thev could spare a couple of men to put London they learned of a disaster to on the finishing touches to the job. One certain cruisers engaged in patrol work. would have imagined that Hollerway Also, they picked up Commander Legh, would have been pleased to see his temporarily attached to the Admiralty, labours so artistically completed. It and ran him down to the Petrie house must be admitted that this was not the for a short week-end visit. case. One’s well - meant efforts are not always duly appreciated by one’s “ This,” said the sailor, wagging an dependents, it is to be feared. open newspaper before the eyes of his Possibly his failure to enlist in the hostess, “ is damnable ! ” Army Service Corps, Mechanical Trans­ “ Yes.” port, may be advanced as some sort of “ Two splendid ships sent down to excuse for his ingratitude. The non­ Hades through what the police term commissioned officer responsible for the ‘ information received.’ ” testing of the recruits was something of “ Meaning ? ” a humorist in his own quiet way. He “ That it’s quite time we routed out had found an old chassis that, under the spies in this country.” the most favourable conditions, could just “ But how ? Do they wear a tin plate be persuaded to move along. It pleased across their chests with ‘ spy ’ engraved his humour to set the magneto half a on it ? ” revolution in advance, and also to change “ You’re pulling my leg, dear lady~ the leads to the respective cylinders. No, hang ’em, they don’t ! But we’ll This done he stood and laughed at the get ’em all the same.” THE COURAGE OF CONVICTION 155

“ Catch them when they flash the wi reless plants in great detail, elaborating lantern, eh ? ” and criticising as the mood took him. “ Oh, hang it ! Why can’t you be He was still snorting when he stepped serious ? There was a dear pal of mine into the car in which Hollerway was to on the ------” drive him to town. He preferred to sit “Ah ! . . . I’m sorry.’’ She laid a by the driver in front. sympathetic hand on his arm. “ Hollerway,” he said, after a while, At Crawley they picked up Sammy “ I ’m m ad.” Meek (it was mentioned that he is a “ Beg pardon, sir ? ” rather unimportant figure in the story) “ I say I’m mad. And when I’m mad who had been over to friends for tennis. I talk too much. Some day I shall He listened with grave respect to the come a cropper through it. It’s a wise sailor’s views. man that knows his own weaknesses, “ I suppose you mean wireless ? ’’ Hollerway, and it’s a dam ned fool that “ Exactly,” said Legh. “ Look here, can’t keep them in hand ! I can’t. I’ll tell you how we’re going to chase Have you heard me say anything ? ” ’em out. No, I’ll tell you when we’re “ Not arf, I ain’t. I reckon you’re inside.” The car had turned into the worth listening to when you’re doin’ a drive. bit of cursing, sir,” answered Hollerway, " Come on, you two,” said Mrs. Petrie. admiringly. “ You can talk of how you’re going to “ I don’t mean that. Have you heard kill all the Germans over tea.” me say anything about—about-er-ships, They went into the house, and or anything like that ? ” Hollerway took the car round to the “ I ’eard yer say something about garage. He was surprised to find the wireless sets, sir, an’ ’ow they was going current in the storage accumulators con­ to be chucked out. Narrering them siderably lower than he had thought. down, sir, you said.” Enquiries at the house failed to satisfy “ Confound it, yes ! ” said Legh. “ I him that the lights and stoves had not talk too much .... always did.” been used during the day. In round As if to redeem his self-accused fault terms of vigorous Cockney abuse he he relapsed into a savage silence which discussed the matter with the indoor lasted until they reached London. As servants. Bilsdon, the butler, was too they swung over a dimly-lighted river dignified to argue with him, and referred bridge he spoke again. “ You never him, in stately and pompous terms to know who you’re talking to in these the mistress of the house. The cook days, Hollerway.” met him on more open ground, but as “ No, sir,” agreed Hollerway, tactfully, they were both masters of abuse the swerving gently to avoid a taxi-cab. investigation was not much furthered “ No. Well, look here. Listen care­ by their discussion. Hollerway returned fully to what I’m going to say to you. to the engine-house, which adjoined the Whatever you’ve heard me say, either garage, and started up the gas-engine when I’ve been excited or at any other to pump current into the accumulators. time, I want you to forget it—wipe it Two days later the country was out of your memory.” startled to hear of the loss of a pre- “ Yes, sir.” Dreadnought. Legh tore his hair, and “ Now I happen to know something, swore fiercely, calling on all manner of Hollerway, and—and, it might break me strange gods to witness his wrath. All if it happened to leak out. Got into through dinner he fumed, and he wrong hands. Do you follow me ? ” discussed the scheme by which it was “ Yes, sir.” hoped to track down the spies and the “And it would break me. And, damn 156 THE BADMINTON MAGAZINE

it ! I will talk ! Here we are—the Hollerway went out and sat on an house under the next lamp on the left. upturned box in the engine-room, staring You’d better come up and have a drink, hard at the shining fly-wheel as the it’s a long drive back.” dynamo generated more current for the “ Thank you, sir. I don’t mind if I do.” ever-hungry batteries. At night he They went up to Legh’s rooms on the visited the town and, turning in at the second floor. A small pile of letters lay lodge gates of the school, sent in his on the table. The officer splashed name to Mr. Samuel Meek. whisky into the glasses from an old “ ’E knows me. Tell ’im from Mrs. Dutch decanter. He ran through his P etrie’s, yer lordship.” letters as he talked. This last to the supercilious butler. “ Y ou’ll remember what I ’ve said ? ” He sat on an oaken bench in the hall “ Beg pardon, sir ? ” while waiting. “ What I said—about not opening The house master was enjoying a quiet your mouth.” pipe. He requested that the chauffeur “ Did you say something about that, be sent up. sir 1? ) f “ Message from Mrs. Petrie, I suppose? “ Why, damn it, man ! I—Oh, I see ! Get it off your chest, and I ’ll give you Yes, that’s the way, Hollerway, Just a drink.” a little leakage, and I’m a gone coon. “ No message, sir. I thought — if Hello, what’s this ? ” you’re not busy ” He glanced round. He had picked up his letters. “ From “ No, I’m not busy.” the Admiralty, eh ? ” He slit open the “ It’s rather important, sir.” note, and sank into a chair, his face “ Well, sit down.” Sammy indicated drawn with a sudden fear. a chair. “ Report at once ! ” Hollerway coughed. “ Might I make “ Can I help you, sir ? ” so bold as ter arst, sir, ’oo Mrs. Petrie is ? “ Yes, you can drop me at the ’Oo she really is, I mean, sir. Excuse Admiralty.” me ....> y A short run took them to Whitehall. “ Excuse you, dammit ! Why, she’s The sailor descended. —she’s, so far as I know, she’s Mrs. “ Good luck, sir, when you’re at sea.” Petrie.” “ Thank you, Hollerway,” said Legh, “ Yes, sir, an’ that’s about as far as and, as he entered the big building, the anybody else knows. It don’t carry me car swung round and slid away into the much further, sir—don’t ’elp me, sir.” darkness. “ How the devil do you want helping ? But Commander Legh never went to What do you want to know ? Do you sea where Hollerway’s good wishes could know I ’m a friend of Mrs. Petrie’s ? ” follow him. Two days later the chauffeur “ Look ’ere, sir, I’m a-goin’ ter talk heard in the servants’ quarters that the as man ter man. My job is to run the sailor had been found shot in his rooms. cars and the house-lightin’ plant. Now Unable to obtain any further authentic them accumulators is using a lot more information, he took a bold course and current than is used in the house, an’ I approached his employer with a direct want ter know where the ’ell it goes to.” question. “ Have you been drinking by any “ Unfortunately, yes,” was the answer. chance ? ” queried Sammy. “ Commander Legh carried official secrets, “ Now that you mention it, sir, I’ve Hollerway, and in some way they leaked not. But—I could do with one if it ain’t out. I am afraid he was reprimanded imperent, sir.” and shot himself. The affair has been Meek laughed and went over to the kept quiet by official request.” sideboard. “ What about it ? ” THE COURAGE OF CONVICTION 157

“ I dunno, sir. It seems a bit queer. The inspector was frankly annoyed, told Ere we’re using a ’ell—beg pardon, sir— him he was a fool, and further, repeating a dooce of a lot of current, an’ we’re Sammy’s words, requested him to “ Get allers ’aving Naval and Army gents down. out ! ” Now there was Mr. Legh, sir—your pal, And so the matter was left, and the if I might say so—’e come down, an’ ’e enemy was still extremely well advised cid a bit of chin music, an’ when ’e got as to events in this country. The search tack there was a letter waitin’ fer ’im. for the hidden wireless continued, and I took ’im down to his orfice, an’ ’e must narrowed down to such a small circle ’ave ’ad ’is ear chewed a bit, because ’e that at last even dull-headed officialdom just went back an’ shot ’isself. Now it wras forced to take action. A visit and was only while ’e was down at our place search of every house in the suspected that ’e could have let anything slip, ’cos area was at length decided on. ’e didn’t go anywhere else. What did ’e An apologetic and red-faced sergeant want ter shoot ’isself for ? ” of police was deputed to investigate at “ God knows ! ” said Sammy, simply. the Petrie establishment along with “ What are you getting at ? ” several others. He laid bare the purport “ Well, I think it’s current from my of his visit to Miss Mollie O’Hara. That engine as keeps the wireless going, damsel conveyed a rather garbled account w7herever it is. I wish I could find it ! to her mistress who w7as, at the time, in Yer knows as there is one round ’ere the garage arguing with Hollerway as to somewhere, sir.” whether the exhaust valves of the Now above all things else Sammy was Vauxhall were in need of regrinding. faithful, and, also, he wras a gentleman. She gazed ruefully at her soiled hands He talked very straightly to Hollerway. and skirt. “ Tell him I’m engaged at “ If I weren’t so tender-hearted,” said the moment,” she said, after a moment's he, ‘‘I’d kick you out of the place. As hesitation. “ He can go over the house it is—get out ! Mrs. Petrie is a friend of if he wants to, however,” she added as mine. You yourself have just enjoyed an afterthought. The girl found the a holiday at her expense.” sergeant sitting in the hall fiddling w7ith “ That’s just it. A couple of blokes his helmet. She delivered the message. came along while I was away and messed “ Oh, that’s all right, Miss,” he about with that installation. Those remarked, attempting an ingratiating blokes never come from the makers smile. “ I’ll come round again this because they’re all on Government wTork afternoon. There’s no great hurry about there, an’ there’s no men ter spare fer a ’ouse like this ’ere. It’s more a matter private work. She told a lie.” of form, like. I can assure you it’s no “ There is one course open to you,” pleasure to us fellers to have to do this said Sammy. “ I believe you are sincere wTork. You’ll tell ’er ladyship, your or I wTould at once write to your employer mistress, th at is, th at I’ll have a look about it. Of course, your suspicions are round either this afternoon or to­ absurd. But you can go and let the morrow.” police know what you think. You’ll very He took a red-faced departure. rightly get the sack when the affair comes Certainly the girl w7as attractive and to Mrs. Petrie’s ears. Now7 then, get dazzled him somewhat. out ! ” Some measure of understanding regard­ Hollerway lowered the whisky care­ ing the disputed valves was at length fully. “ Trust a real gent fer advice,” arrived at between the lady of the house he commented ambiguously. “ Well, and the chauffeur. She gave him you’ll see, sir ! ” permission to do the work when he had He took himself to the police station. explained that a high efficiency engine 158 THE BADMINTON MAGAZINE should never be allowed to fall below and thenceforth spoke little. In the par. Hollerway ground the valves and power-house, however, he took occasion took the car out for a trial spin on which to point out the ammeters and recorders he achieved a speed of seventy on just on the switchboard. over three-quarter throttle. “ You ought to pay attention to these The following morning the promised and the log-book,” he suggested. visit and inspection took place. Mrs. “ They’ll show you how much current Petrife herself showed the police sergeant we use, and if you can find out where over the house, and went out of her it goes to you’re a damn sight smarter way to suggest and point out . any little than wot I am .” corners in danger of being overlooked. His companion shook his head. “ 1 “ Satisfied ? ” she asked when they don’t understand them,” he said, frankly. had reached the hall. “ You could kid me if you wanted to.” “ I was never dissatisfied, mum,” “ Garn ! ” said Hollerway, sarcastically. replied the officer. “ I’d like to have a “ Don’t come it,” pleaded the sergeant. look over the roof, and in the out­ “ I’m only doing what I’m paid for, same buildings and the grounds. They’re as you. There’s no difference.” very anxious about this ’ere wireless “ Only that I know my job,” taunted plant.” the chauffeur. He was something of an ass but he was The sergeant returned to the station honest and had ideas on duty. and made his report. The gist of it was Mrs. Petrie looked him up and down that the house and grounds had been with an amused smile. The policeman laid open before him to “ go over it with shuffled and reddened but stuck to his a tooth-comb if he’d ’ave wanted- to.” point* His superior was distinctly cross about “ It is, perhaps, as well that I have the whole affair. nothing to hide, inspector, or I am sure “Annoying Mrs. Petrie like this means you would dig it out and send me to ten pounds off our sports’ subscription,” prison,” she said, chaffingly. he grumbled. “ Women don’t under­ “ Sergeant, mum,” he corrected. stand these things. She’ll think we just “ Well, soon to be inspector, then,” did it to annoy her.” And displayed an she flattered, “ I’m not going to climb amazing ignorance of the sex in saying over the leads with you, because ” so. Hollerway was instructed to have She broke off and glanced at her dainty the tuned Vauxhall ready on the frock. “ But my chauffeur can take following morning. Mrs. Petrie, dressed you. He can also explain all the cables in a long dust-coat, prepared to take the for the light and heating as you go. wheel. Then he can take you over the power “ She’s not very steady,” objected house and grounds.” Hollerway. “ Clutch is a bit fierce. I’d Hollerway appeared in response to a like to handle her myself if you’ve no telephone call from the house, and his objection, mum—just till she’s eased up task was outlined. He was uncom­ a b it.” municative until they reached the roof. “ Very well,” said the lady. “ W hat’s Then : “ Any special instructions ? ” the matter ? Do you feel ill ? ” he asked. Hollerway was looking decidedly “ Nothing particular.” unwell. His face was white and drawn, “ I called at the station a bit ago. his lips tightly compressed. Didn’t they tell you anything about “ I’m all right, mum, thank you. A that before you came ? ” run will do me good.” “ No. What did you call about ? ” “ Perhaps it will. I’m going down to “ Dog we’d lost,” snorted Hollerway, the coast. The sea air will help you.” THE COURAGE OF CONVICTION 159

The car slid out into the road. the ascent of the hill. The sound of “ Drive to the police station first,” he the driver’s encouraging words to the was ordered. “ I received a letter this horse were clearly heard in the still air. morning apologising for the intrusion of Abstractedly Hollerway set out to yesterday, and assuring me that it was collect the scattered contents of the bag. a matter of form and that nothing A word on a pencilled note took his incriminating was found. I feel that it attention and he sat down to puzzle would do me good to be a little nasty out the whole. Before he could gather to them before extending forgiveness.” the gist of it the cart had almost reached Arrived at the police headquarters him, and he hastily stuffed the paper into the inspector came out and made un­ his pocket for further consideration. couth apologetic noises, while she flayed The remainder of the contents, the purse, him with a woman’s tongue. “ I’m the scent bottle, the powder puff, the going to the coast. I’ll call in on the feminine odds and ends, he returned to way back and let you search the car to the bag. see that we havn’t got any forbidden The labourer gazed wonderingly at snapshots of battleships and things.” the car. “ He’s a nasty ’un, that is,” The inspector went inside and made was his considered verdict. things very unpleasant for his sub­ “ Right yer are, Sherlock,” replied ordinates. Hollerway ungratefully. “ Nar then, And there is not the least doubt that hitch up yer socks an’ unhitch yer ole the lady’s programme would have been ’oss, an’ we’ll yank ther ole car art of it.” carried out in full but for a rather A suspicious person might have thought unfortunate incident. In short, the car it peculiar that Hollerway should have got out of the driver’s control and been so sure that the car was in perfect plunged over the cliff. A projecting order. Obviously something must have boulder jammed the back-axle and held gone wrong with the steering or why the car precariously suspended in space. should the car have got out of control The shock jerked the passengers from at all? Unless .... but Hollerway their seats ; the owner went sideways himself is the only person who could —arms and legs a-sprawl—in a most truthfully explain this matter. undignified manner. The driver made Their combined efforts jerked the his exit through the screen and, pitching vehicle back to the road. A little missing on the bonnet, was brought up by the paint was the only apparent damage. headlamps, from whence he made his The engine started without trouble ; the way, via the running boards, to solid labourer pocketed the five shillings and ground, shaken and bruised but other­ gave a hand to get the unconscious lady wise uninjured. into the back of the car. He tethered He found, on inspection, a trickle of his horse to a gate and accompanied blood running down his employer’s face. Hollerway to the surgery of a doctor in “ Lumme ! Seems as if I’ve bin an’ the near-by town. gone an’ done it after all,” was his After a rapid inspection the medico comment. diagnosed brain concussion, advised an He took the lady under the arms and immediate operation and instant removal dragged her to the shelter of the car to the cottage hospital. Hollerway, after staunching the flow of blood as well as explaining matters to the best of his possible with a none too clean handker­ ability, followed the doctor’s instructions chief. Her big suede bag hung by its and, leaving his employer in the charge cords from her wrist, open. The feminine of the hospital authorities, returned home vanities it had contained were scattered. in the ear. A slow-moving farm-cart was starting He gave a terse account of the accident 169 THE BADMINTON MAGAZINE to his fellow servants and retired at once as it was going somewhere, I gives yer to his bedroom pleading shock and a my word ! ” desire to rest. T h e soldier was examining the In point of fact, however, he did not apparatus with a critical eye. sleep at all. Until late in the evening he “ By Gad ! ” he said. “ But it’s neat, pored over the disjointed words on the by Gad it is ! paper he had taken from his mistress. He tapped the transmittor key In the early morning hours, when the casually, and, taking up the receiver, rest of the household was sleeping, he clapped it over his ears. Suddenly he crept to the door of his employer’s took a pencil from his pocket and bedroom and, trying the handle, found scribbled messages in a note - book it locked. He descended to the garage supplied by the inspector. The plant and returned with a length of bent wire was working. From somewhere out on with which he picked the lock. He was the seas the enemy was asking news of evidently searching for something that his spy. For a couple of hours the officer eluded him in the bedroom itself. In sat taking down the words as they came the dressing-room adjoining he was more through. At the end of that period he successful, and returned at last, in the gathered up his scribblings and shook grey dawn of the morning, to his own his head at the code. “ Can’t read ’em room. myself,” he said. “ But I daresay After breakfast he took out the they’ll be able to make something of it Vauxhall and drove to the headquarters at headquarters.” of the officer in command of the district. Hollerway drove both officials back To him he explained tersely, and a Major to their stations. When he returned the Frant returned with him in the car. On police were in charge of the house, and, the way they stopped at the police as is sometimes the way with patriots station and picked up the inspector. who happen to possess the courage of Arrived at the house the driver led the conviction, he found himself without a way straight to the dressing-room. He job. tugged at the bottom drawer of a huge In the hospital a uniformed man sat wardrobe—the soldier noticed that the by the side of the injured woman. As lock had been smashed. The woodwork to her history at a later date that is a slid out and a neat, compact wireless matter for the records of the Tower of transmittor and receiver came into London. view. Hollerway, however, presents a more Hollerway pressed a switch. simple problem. After a little conversa­ “ Know wot that does ? ” he asked. tion with Major Frant he was not Major Frant shook his head. altogether surprised to hear that his “ That,” explained Hollerway, “ shoots slight physical failings would not, con­ up the telescopic masts out of the ole sidering the special circumstances, prove chimbley. Took me a long time to find a bar to his acceptance. For further it out, that did. See ? Now, if yer particulars see Hollerway, Sergeant, knows ’ow, you can use it, an’ chew up A.S.C., (Mechanical Transport), also some more of my ole current. I knew D.C.M. FISHING IN THE GROUNDS OF A FRENCH CONVALESCENT HOME

BEHIND THE LINES

BY IGNOTUS

Photographs by Sport & General War Service

“ Then a soldier, full of strange oaths.” every man bar one in my company was —Shakespeare. provided with two scarves, the exception W r i t i n g as I do towards the late end of being my own servant who begged he summer, a second winter in the trenches might have a spare one of mine in order seems a certainty, despite the Kaiser’s not to be out of the swim. What they pronouncement that the war will be over did with the second muffler I never in October, and with another cold and could make out, but it was apparently wet season in prospect, it is permissible de rigueur to possess and gloat over it, to wonder what particular forms the even if wearing it meant asphyxiation. generosity of the public will assume this What do we not suffer for sweet Fashion’s winter. Last back-end, dating from sake ! September onwards, a steady stream of This winter, if I m ay give a sporting mitts and mufflers set forth across the tip, send more Balaclava helmets, but Channel, till gathering impetus as it don’t drench us with mitts which, flowed it finally avalanched on the besides being too small, are generally British soldier with such force that useless in keeping the hands warm, and all civilians in the neighbourhood of also bear in mind you can’t send too operations wore khaki mitts, and I many socks. discovered one day to my surprise that Another fashion greatly in favour with 162 THE BADMINTON MAGAZINE those who knew was covering the legs beat off an attack he found that only from the thigh down with coarse sacking: about 25 per cent, of his rifles would fire. it didn’t keep you warm, of course, nor I don’t think we were ever quite so bad dry, but it did prevent the mud of the as that, but I have myself seen a man trenches from plastering on your puttees using his entrenching tool to strike up as would otherwise have been the case, and draw back the bolt of his rifle (a and when you got back after doing your necessary preliminary to firing), a course shift you could always throw your bit of action that would give the average of sacking away and find another. instructor of musketry a bad rush of Would the kind folks who knit the blood to the head ; the fact was, how­ socks be surprised to hear that another ever, that the bolt was so stiff that it sphere of usefulness is still open to them could not be pulled back by hand.

A FIRST LINE TRENCH IN THE AISNE when the feet wear out, i.e., the leg is But even that does not depress the drawn on over the rifle and passed men’s spirits. In cold and wet they downwards till it finally comes to rest are really wonderful ; the harder and on the bolt and breech of the weapon, and more trying the time the cheerier they thus prevents a good deal of grit getting seem, and it is only when they get back into and clogging the action ? In the into rest billets and have by comparison appalling weather of last winter it was an easy time that they remember it an endless struggle to try and keep the is a soldier’s inalienable privilege to rifles sufficiently clear of mud to work grumble, a privilege they then exercise when required, and an officer of another to the full. What carries them through, regiment told me that things got so bad I am certain, is their inbred sense of at one time that on “ standing to ” to humour. Coarse it may be at times and BEHIND THE LINES more suited, as somebody puts it, to However, one morning he went up “ the tented field rather than the court,” from his billet into the most forward but it serves its purpose of making the fire trenches to look round. While men laugh and so helps them through. moving along the fire trench he in­ They are extraordinarily quick and cautiously exposed himself and drew the apt at nicknames, as witness the men in fire of a German sniper, who missed him. a regiment I know, who, wearing the effigy Nevertheless the man watched him and of a prancing horse as a regimental device, continued to snipe him at intervals till christened one of the transport horses the annoyance was not to be borne ; “ Old Cap-badge ” directly he appeared, so the general, turning to an officer near from a real or fancied resemblance in by, told him to send three or four men his gait to their own headgear. Talking of the squadron out to try and locate of nicknames reminds me of a story a the sniper and, if possible, round him up.

FRENCH SNIPERS rather well-known general now at the In this it appears they were very front tells against himself. successful, pouncing upon him unawares; The officer in question, though whereupon the German, throwing up his extremely efficient, as I have reason hands, surrendered, crying for mercy, to to know for I served under him in which one of the party as they advanced a former campaign, has never yet replied, “ Mercy for you, you beggar ? succeeded in winning the liking of his No fear; why, you’ve missed our officers and men, for being of a cold­ general ! ” The story may be quite blooded sardonic temperament he seems untrue, for all I know, but it illustrates to lack the ordinary friendliness of very well Tommy’s outlook on life as a feeling that is so characteristic of the whole. Service. As a pendant to which, a naval story 164 THE BADMINTON MAGAZINE

I heard will bear repetition. A certain the worst and the midway distance the ship (I must not mention her name) was lightest, i.e., from the muzzle of the blown up in the Channel last year, and rifle to 300 yards were generally very as some of the luckier men rose to the formidable injuries, as were those from surface they descried a short distance say 800 yards onwards, but that roughly away some floating wreckage to which speaking the wounds produced in the they swam and scrambled on board. zone from 300 to 800 yards were by They had not been there many seconds comparison unimportant. Of course such when with a gasp and a gulp the well- a general rule cannot be laid down known head of the ship’s chaplain without quoting numerous exceptions. appeared above the surface, and he, too, I have myself seen at a range of 250 swam towards the wreckage. A stoker yards a little hole drilled through a man’s

BRITISH ARMOURED CAR WITH A TERRIER RESCUED FROM A BURNING VILLAGE NEAR ANTWERP in the rescued party watched him shoulder who, cramped from lying in the approaching, and, remarking to his pals roadside ditch, raised himself slightly “ Lord love a duck, maties, 'ere’s the to ease his position. Not ten yards from (something) parson, I ’m off ! ” slipped that spot about two hours later I saw a over the side and swam to another bit man hit in the thumb while taking a of wreckage available. I might add that box of ammunition off a pack pony, and I had this yarn direct from a friend of yet that man and pony had just come the cleric. about 600 yards across absolutely open The wounds received in this war are ground with literally dozens of bullets rather peculiar. I was talking to a all round them without being touched. doctor about them the other day, and Within fifty yards of the same place he said his experience was that those I saw a poor chap hit clean through the at close quarters and farthest off were heart while running from one point to BEHIND THE LINES 165 another, and in connection with that almost at the same moment above and the Germans did a beastly thing. below the knee, while my colour-sergeant They must have known the man was had three fingers broken and all the hit, for he stopped and rolled over into woodwork ripped off the fore-end of the the ditch. Soon afterwards a couple of rifle he was using at a loophole in the bearers with a stretcher got to the end wall. To quote a contrary case, an of the ditch, and lying flat in it with officer in my regiment was returning the stretcher on the road crawled up one evening from a tour in the trenches the ditch, pushing the stretcher along and had to pass along a road down which the roadway. The Germans could see a lot of unaimed dropping fire, missing the stretcher convulsively jerking along the trenches, passed. Suddenly he felt but could not see the men, and they a bang on his leg, and at the same

FRENCH CONVALESCENT SOLDIERS CATCHING THEIR DINNER OF RABBITS IN A WOOD must have known what it was for; yet moment fell to the ground from the blow. they sniped for all they were worth and He picked himself up but did not feel kicked the dust up all round it. When much the worse, and passing his hand the bearers reached the poor chap who down the outside of his gum boot, felt was hit they found him dead, so had the place where the bullet had passed in. to turn round and crawl back, the He walked on another quarter mile or stretcher being again sniped all the time. so to his billet, told his friends there that It is pleasant to record that the bearers a spent bullet had hit him in the boot got back unharmed, and later in the day without touching him, and after a wash the man who had been killed was and some dinner turned in. Next retrieved and buried. morning his leg was very stiff and he Again at a range of 250 yards one of could not use it well, so somebody my subalterns was hit pretty badly persuaded him to let the doctor see it, 166 THE BADMINTON MAGAZINE and the latter on arrival found that the quitting this world when his time came bullet had penetrated the boot and richer than he entered it; for he had no lodged in the flesh of the calf, which silver, nor, indeed, any pocket on the stultifies the suggestion that at 800 yards occasion of his first appearance. or over the wounds are severe, for he The authorities have taken lately to had slept well the whole night with the recruiting negroes into British regiments, bullet in his leg. an innovation, and in my opinion a Another man in the Indian Army decidedly bad one, for they are not whom I knew told me that the Germans popular with either officers or men, and hit him, as he put it, “ at thirty yards’ I feel certain that it discourages recruit­ rise.” What actually happened was ing when men write home and say they that a bullet hit his flask, which was in are living in co-partnership with black

FRENCH ARTILLERYMEN PLAYING A GAME OF CARDS DURING REST TIME his pocket, and wasting the rum (which men. A far better plan would be to he greatly deplored) blew seven distinct send them over to France and let the fragments of silver and glass into his French enlist them in some of their buttock. When I saw him he was very native regiments where they would be comfortably in bed, and had been amongst their own race even if they operated on. He showed me a photo­ could not speak the language. Alter­ graph of himself all pock-marked with natively, why not form a negro regiment little dots and said they had got out in England if black men must be six bits and were going to leave the enlisted ? At present they are decidedly seventh (a bit of silver) in him, which, matter out of place. as he very truly said, would mean his Till I enquired, I could not understand BEHIND THE LINES 167

why so many of them presented them­ he made the very surprising admission : selves, and the reply I got when I asked “ Ich muss gestehen dass wir schlecht was “ For safety.” It seemed such an gefuhrt worden sind ” (“ I must admit original idea that a man should go into we have been badly led ”), this, of the firing line “ for safety ” th at I course, referring only to the particular enquired a little further, and found that show in which my regiment had been these men were mostly greasers and engaged against them, and not to the donkeymen off tramp steamers and that campaign as a whole. He told me that they were so scared by the submarine of all the officers in his regiment only menace (of which I suppose they had the second in command and two not hitherto heard) that when they got subalterns were regular officers, that into port quite a considerable number the others were reservists and that they

RECOVERING THE WOUNDED

enlisted rather than go afloat again. were commanded by a reservist colonel Fortunately this view of relative danger of whom he evidently thought poorly. is not shared bv the white merchant I asked him how the sniping was seamen, or we should be badly off ! arranged, whether they hadn’t got I had a very interesting chat some snipers told off to each company or time ago with a wounded German something. He said No, but that the prisoner. There were four of them colonel told off a company to occupy together, wounded in the head, arm, and houses and snipe, just as he pleased. In so forth, three of whom were of a very that particular I am sure that he lied, low type, clodhopping country bumpkins for the German musketry as a whole is with evidently little or no brains ; but poor, while our casualties from snipers at the fourth man was a Leipzig student that particular time had been severe, and and on his first shyness disappearing they were caused undoubtedly by trained 168 THE BADMINTON MAGAZINE men. They all seemed very grateful for was a sahib, although he was only a the kindness Tommy had shown them, private soldier. good old T.A. coming up in his well- I wonder did any of my readers in known way and giving them cigarettes their wanderings in France before the and trying to talk to them. war ever come across the cryptic words, Tommy’s courtesy and sporting feeling “ Ici on consulte le Bottin ” ? I never cannot be exaggerated; for example, did, and they used to puzzle me a great who but one of our men would have put deal. All the little cafes in Bethune, on a cross over a grave what I read Ypres, and even on the coast bore them, there ? I was walking round some and the thing became a perfect obsession trenches previously to our taking them with me. Nobody knew who the

WITH THE AUSTRALIAN TROOPS over from the rifle regiment then in “ Bottin ” was, but general opinion occupation of them when I came across inclined to his being a fortune-teller. two freshly-made graves. One was a Even assuming the whole of France German officer killed just outside the given up to having its fortune told, the lines. Our men had written his name thing seemed unlikely, and in any case and regiment on the cross and nailed “ Bottin” must have travelled quicker one of his shoulder straps to it. The than light, for wherever we got to there the other was a private who had been shot mystic sign had arrived before us. The close by, trying to snipe ; his name was explanation, when it came, was as also inscribed on his cross and someone simple as need be. “ Bottin ” was just had added “ He died for his country.” a directory, and the good folks who The man who thought of adding that displayed it had a copy. THE THIRD BATTALION

A n E p is o d e o f t h e G r e a t W a r

b y l . a . d ’o r s a y

B e h i n d the undulating chains of hills, campaign had lowered their morale, had the newly-formed German corps was crushed the last spark of humanity out taking up its position, its flank protected of them. by two brigades. The December sun On the outskirts of the woods was a shone down upon the wet fields which gravel-pit, which from time immemorial the wheels of a thousand passing cannon had been used as a dumping-ground for had ploughed and furrowed. In the the refuse of the village. In it, a wooden passes that led up the mountains the cart which had been a field-canteen. snow was melting reluctantly. Below, Empty sardine tins, remnants of food, by the cross-roads, there was an inn ; and pieces of greasy paper littered the behind it, in the smiling valley, was a ground. A wooden keg, still half-full little village, nestling up against the of spirits, was a special attraction. A sheltering mountains. Barricades barred couple of powerfully-built soldiers had the approach to it. Wild rumours ran possessed themselves of the treasure, and riot among the inhabitants of the village were doling out the brandy to their and among the German soldiery on the clamouring comrades. heights. The French had been defeated, Presently, from behind a huge heap of it was said, and their advance checked. refuse not far from the wrecked cart, There were days of rest in store for the there rose the form of an animal, a big, Army Corps which was posted on the gaunt horse, covered with grime and hills. mud, a vision appalling in its frightful The news was very welcome to the leanness. Under its shabby, patchy skin men of the third battalion, for most of the ribs showed like cask-hoops, on its them were tired of the war. Their left foreleg was an open wound. Slowly, neglected appearance, their undisciplined painfully, the wretched creature dragged behaviour, and their insolent treatment itself to the noisy mob. The apparition of the villagers, all indicated that the was so sudden, so unexpected, that the 170 THE BADMINTON MAGAZINE riot abated. The men broke into loud, Protection Society when you are at discordant laughter. home, Monsieur Schnetz ? ” “ I t ’s the devil’s own steed ! ” roared Laughing boisterously, the others one of the soldiers ; “ sent by Satan repeated in chorus : himself for us to ride on ! ” “ Monsieur Schnetz ! ” “ Wait a minute ! ” called a short, The little Alsatian, whom a cruel square-built fellow, loosening his belt accident of birth had forced into the and pushing back his helmet. ranks of the nation whom his soul He took a short run and leapt on despised, was almost crying with rage. the animal’s back ; with lowered head “ No, I’m not. But common decency it stood, its limbs trembling with should tell you that it is cowardly, exhaustion. shameful, to torture a dying animal.” “ Go on ! ” he cried, belabouring the There was a fresh burst of mocking horse with his heels. “ Go on ! Gallop !” laughter. The wretched creature, evidently an “ We know that you Alsatian peasants old cavalry horse, understood what was feed out of the same trough with your expected of it. Notwithstanding its animals, but for all that we are not going wounded leg, it made a few tottering to allow you to interfere with us. Don’t steps forward. take any notice of an impudent Alsatian “ We want a lift, too ! ” came a voice, recruit, you others. Gee ho ! you old and a salvo of laughter rewarded the hack ! Move along ; or do you want speaker’s wit, “ there is plenty of room us to liven you up ? ” for us on that old nag’s back ! ” The horse did not move ; it could not. “ Let’s have a carnival procession,” “ What is happening here ? ” suddenly suggested another, and taking off his demanded a voice, hoarse with anger. helmet, he thrust it on the horse’s head “ Are you German soldiers or cowardly and strapped it on tightly. Three or marauders ? ” four others climbed on the swaving Surprised, the rabble turned. The animal’s back. newcomer was a short, corpulent man “ Now then, my gallant steed—gee in civilian attire. With him was an ho ! ” ordnance officer. The latter looked But the dying creature did not move. uncomfortable, and it was plain that Its legs trembled under the burden. he was reluctant to interfere with the There were cries of derision, and angry drunken mob. Ignoring the officer’s exclamations, accompanied by a hail of presence, the men centred their attention blows. The horse exerted all the on the civilian. remnants of its fast-failing strength, and “ To what fortunate circumstance are in a last desperate effort moved forward. we indebted for the honour of your Then it stood still again. The ruffians visit ? ” jeered one of the ringleaders, slid from its back, and vicious kicks bowing with mock courtesy, and leaning thudded on the trembling animal’s flanks. on his club. “ Why don’t you leave it in peace ? “ Good-morning, Mr. Mayor,” said Can’t you see that it is dying ? ” The another, accompanying the words with speaker was a little recruit, who had a profound bow, “ have you come to witnessed the spectacle from a distance, reprimand us for desecrating the Sabbath, and, unable to endure the gruesome or what ? ” scene any longer, had approached his The old man swung round on his comrades. companion. His face was deathly pale. “ And what can we do for you, “ You wear the epaulettes of an Monsieur Pierre Schnetz ? Are you by officer,” he exclaimed fiercely, “ and any chance a member of the Animal yet you don’t know how to make them THE THIRD BATTALION 171 respect you ! Tell this rabble who we trigger. It fell as if a flash of lightning are. y > had struck it. “ I am afraid it would be useless, sir, The rabble stood gaping at the man in view of the men’s present temper,” who had dared to come between them answered the officer, sinking his voice to and their amusement. Then, recovering a cautious whisper. Then, noting that themselves, they surged up to where the the ranks of the mob were increasing old man stood, with the smoking revolver steadily, and that the gravel-pit was fast still in his hand. In vain did the officer filling with jeering, rowdy humanity, he who accompanied him strive to make raised his voice. There was an inflection himself heard. of almost paternal benevolence in it as At that moment there appeared on he proceeded : the scene a sergeant-major, his breast “ After all, they are brave soldiers, covered with medals, his moustache good comrades—though a little frolic­ bristling fiercely. Cursing, he pushed some at times. They do their duty. his way through the crowd, scattering They know that they are the pride and his subordinates in all directions. Then, the hope of their Fatherland.” puffing himself up importantly, he eyed Renewed laughter greeted this effusive the civilian. speech. Then, again addressing the “ Consider yourself under arrest ! ” civilian, the first spokesman said, rudely : he said, brusquely; “ follow me to the “ You hear that ? Don’t interfere Kommandant.” with us. We don’t know you, and we One of the soldiers gave a low whistle. are not going to take orders from any The suggestion was immediately under­ civilian, even though he be a village stood by his comrades. A spy ! An mayor. We are busy here. The Paris Englishman or a Frenchman in disguise. express is about to depart. Take your Through the fast-darkening village seats, gentlemen ! ” streets rolled the ugly cry. It was taken Once more he approached the ex­ up by a hundred mouths : “ A spy—a hausted horse. The civilian with a spy !I > > swift step placed himself before the At the inn, the sergeant stopped and panting creature : knocked discreetly on the door. Minutes “ Whoever lifts a finger against this elapsed before it opened. A buxom defenceless animal is unworthy of the maid fled up the stairs, giggling. name of soldier,” he thundered, fixing The Herr Kommandant, annoyed at the men with his gaze. “ You dishonour being disturbed, received the sergeant the uniform you wear—you are cowards, with a torrent of abuse. His flushed blackguards, all of you ! ” face, his heavy speech, the empty wine “ Cowards ! Blackguards ! ” With a bottles on the table, told their own tale. yell of rage the ruffian raised his club, For a moment the civilian stood eyeing and before anyone realised his intention, the Kommandant. Then he stepped he was belabouring the horse’s head. forward briskly, and bringing out a The animal reared, plunged wildly, as pocket-book said, in a voice that cut though to evade the cruel blows. The through the air like a lash : veins stood out like whipcord on the civilian’s forehead. Suddenly it was “ Hitherto Commander of Marine seen that he held a heavy Service Infantry at Wilhelmshafen. Entrusted, revolver. For a second it seemed as if by Cabinet Order of His Majesty, with he intended to fire point blank in the the following command ” scoundrel’s face. Then he turned to There was a rustle as of documents the swaying horse, and, putting the being unfolded, the sound of a chair weapon close to its head, pulled the being pushed back, then a short exchange 172 THE BADMINTON MAGAZINE of words, dominated by an angry voice Demoralised by the suddenness of the which repelled all argument. attack the companies fled pell-mell, out a couple of moto r-cars dashed up the of the village, in the opposite direction. street. With a curt nod the old gentle­ Rally ! ” shrieked the bugles. Then man turned and stepped into the came words of command : “ Into the darkness outside. An officer, saluting gravel-pit ! ” stiffly, handed him a bundle of dispatches, Filled with clutching fear, the masses which he took and hurriedly scanned in tumbled over each other into the the bright glare of the headlights. Then protecting shelter of the pit, where, the old man entered one of the cars, and among the remnants of yesterday’s swiftly, silently, the two vehicles dis­ carouse, lay the dead horse, gaunt and appeared in the gathering shadows of gigantic in the uncertain light of the night. wintry dawn. Its staring eyes were On the heights that surrounded the turned towards the grey sky overhead, village camped the troops, their fires as though demanding justice of the flaming red in the darkness, their dancing God who made it. On the far horizon forms silhouetted against the glowing indistinct lines had become visible, now background. The gravel-pit was deserted. rising now falling behind the crests of In it lay the gaunt dead horse, its body the hills. covered with bruises. Silently it lay “ We must make a stand here. Hold there, its legs stretched out, as though the gravel-pit! ” cried one of the officers. even in death it was happy to be allowed They recognised the danger. to rest at last. The moon had risen, and Slowly, cautiously, the enemy’s its silver rays trembled over the sodden infantry advanced against the German earth, kissed the roofs of the houses in position. On the hills opposite, little the village. Slowly they crept over the spots were moving, blurred and in­ gravel-pit and fell upon the dead horse, distinct in the feeble light. Suddenly waking a greenish gleam in its staring, they were obscured by dense white puffs glassy eyes. of smoke. A shell exploded, spluttering, over the pit, but high up in the air— much too high. For a second it hovered Grey dawned the morning. The there, then it died out with a vicious terrified cackle of scattered hens sounded thud, wrapped in smoke and fire. from the farms. From the fields to the “ Bad sign ! ” growled the old sergeant, left of the village came the sharp, crisp “ they are nearer to us than they know rattle of rifle-fire. themselves.” The soldiers quartered in the houses, The enemy’s artillery had found the deep in heavy, stupefied sleep after the range. A captain, who but last night orgies of the previous evening, did not had been an interested witness of the realise that danger was near. The enemy capture of the supposed spy, crashed had been checked and could not be upon from his horse, a splash of colour in the them. muddy monotony of the pit. Howling, Already the village was full of the one of yesterday’s ringleaders threw French, however; cavalry clattered himself on the ground, clutching with through the streets, slashing and thrust­ one hand at the sodden earth, supporting ing in all directions, cutting down his shattered jaw with the other. unmercifully those who at last appeared Two more shells came hurtling through on the thresholds. Then like phantoms, the air, and both were hits. Half a they were gone ; but from the other end company, thrown into mad confusion by of the village artillery swept the streets the atmospheric pressure and fragments and shrapnel gave the Germans greeting. of iron, staggered and flooded backwards. THE THIRD BATTALION 173

The enemy, untouched by the German took up his position on a hill to the right. rifle-fire, pressed home their advantage. A single glance sufficed to show him the They began to fire shrapnel now. High extent of the threatening danger. A up in the air the shells loomed and burst, determined flank-attack was being sending their hail of projectiles down prepared by the enemy. Worse still, upon the shuddering humanity below. in the south-east, far away, little clouds In ever-shortening intervals the were fluttering, little knots were moving. enemy’s artillery wrapped itself in smoke There was no longer room for doubt ; and with ever deadlier precision came his brigade stood in imminent danger of the shells. The defenders faltered. being surrounded. On the right wing, Precipitately they evacuated the gravel- too, the enemy was holding on pit and retreated in disorder behind the tenaciously. That, however, was not cover of a hill. his affair. Others would see to that. Cursing, entreating, cajoling, the His business was here alone. On his officers rallied their men for a counter­ left, a second French battery was attack, marshalled them into some steadily advancing over the undulating semblance of order, formed them into a country, now heaving into sight, then column. Down its front clattered the again disappearing behind the hill-crests, staff, adjutants, and a standard-bearer, like a monstrous snake. surrounded by Uhlans. At the head of From the village came the rattle of them all, on a black charger, rode an old, the enemy’s rifle fire. Masses of infantry corpulent man in general’s uniform. were racing down the slopes of the Abreast of the third battalion he mountains. reined in. “ We must hold that gravel-pit at all “ Is there a man here, named Schnetz costs ! ” snapped the General, turning —Pierre Schnetz ? ” demanded the to his Staff. General. He heaved a great sigh of relief. The question went from mouth to Behind him, at last, in the far distance, mouth, the name ran backwards through artillery was approaching, the heavy the serried ranks. From them stepped guns rocking and swaying as the horses a little recruit, alarmed, not knowing dashed over the broken ground. Two whether he was to be commended or anxious minutes passed, and then sounded court-martialled. Pale and nervous he the dull, echoing boom of the German stood stiffly at the salute. The General guns, come to his aid in his supreme eyed him kindly. peril, breaking the enemy’s attack and “Are your parents alive ? ” checking them. “ Yes, Excellency.” And yet, it was too late—almost “ Go back and report yourself to the certainly too late. Crouching behind Quartermaster, and tell him that you trees, behind pieces of rock, behind are to proceed to Strasburg immediately anything that might serve for cover, the with the documents of the brigade. And first thin lines of the enemy’s sharp­ when, after this war is over, you get home shooters were holding on, ever alert for to your people, tell them that your human targets and refusing to be dis­ General wishes to compliment them on lodged by the furious hail of shell and their son.” shrapnel. Behind them, as though they He turned his horse and slowly rode had suddenly grown out of the barren, down the front. In him the rioters of mangled earth, companies upon com­ yesterday recognised their civilian. A panies of infantry in open formation, whisper went through the ranks, and with bayonets fixed, were racing onward. many a brutal face grew pale as death. “ The gravel-pit ! ” cried the General, Surrounded by his Staff the General his eyes blazing. A sudden ghastly 174 THE BADMINTON MAGAZINE presentiment of disaster gripped him. Cantering over the torn, furrowed fields “ Retake the gravel-pit, or we are a fierce joy filled him in the anticipation lost ! ” of the retribution that would so soon “ The gravel-pit, Excellency ? ” echoed overtake the third battalion. The the adjutant, scarcely able to believe his tortured animal of yesterday would own ears, “ why, we should lose every soon have company in death ; the man in that death-trap ! It would stark, cold, lifeless bodies of its brutal become one gigantic grave for our ” tormentors would cover it. “A gigantic With a bullet through his head, he grave,” the dead adjutant had said. doubled up suddenly. His body, thrown Since blood had to be shed, the guilty forward as in a profound, respectful bow, should take their turn first. crashed to the ground, lifeless. The General reached his brigade, and Looking over his shoulder the General rode up to an officer. saw empty saddles, wounded, plunging “ Let the attack be sounded, Colonel— horses. Rifle-fire at eight hundred yards. third battalion to advance, your own He turned his horse and rode back to regiment to follow in reserve. And if deliver his order in person. The third the third battalion should attempt to battalion, so he had been told, was the stampede, let your men fire—but not one that originally abandoned the gravel- on the enemy first ! ” pit, the key to the position. It was but just that the third battalion should The Colonel saluted, drew his sword, retake it. They should be made to and shook his horse into a canter. attempt it, at least, even though the “ Third battalion forward ! To the attempt was foredoomed to failure. attack on the gravel-pit ! ” THE PHEASANTS

BY THE LATE ALEX. INNES SHAND

T h e pheasant is dear alike to the alien, adapting himself to circumstances sportsman, the lover of nature, and the as a matter of habit, has naturalised epicure. We English are said to have himself among the partridges and rabbits. no great liking for foreigners, but we Like the deer in some ancestral park, or have given him a warm welcome, and the sleek cattle in the soft green meadows, en revanche he makes himself thoroughly he lends an appropriate touch of poetry at home with us. We can fix pretty to the woodlands and is in animated exactly the date of arrival of Roman harmony with the coppice and the and Dane, Saxon or Norman, but no hedgerow. one professes to tell us precisely when It is quite clear, indeed, that Nature the pheasant came over. All we know must have intended the pheasants is that he is the first and most favoured to settle here. The hen, in her sober, of our Oriental dependents, and he was quaker-like dress, may sit scentless and domesticated here long before we had scatheless on her nest in the bracken or dreamed of establishing empire from the withered grass, unremarked by the the Hindu Kush to Cape Comorin. The weasel or the prowling fox, and eluding cuckoo comes and goes, the swallow even the eyes of boys who are out bird- only stays through the summers and nesting. When she hurries off to snatch the sunshine, but the pheasant is as her hasty repast, the olive-coloured eggs happy in Norfolk or Kent as on the blend sympathetically with the oak lower slopes of the Himalayas ; for the leaves on which they are laid. Even the

G 176 THE BADMINTON MAGAZINE hooded crow or the rook would seldom constant care and continual watching. find them, did it not follow the footsteps Left to themselves, the wild stragglers of the keeper when he goes questing in would soon be nearly exterminated, and his coverts in the spring. As for the we should be back in the days about the vainglorious cock, he is a chartered accession of George III., when a single libertine, devoted to the ladies, selfishly bird killed in Norfolk was thought worth neglectful of family cares, and, with his sending to Windsor as a present to the quick sense of hearing and wary nature, king. They are the poultry of the woods, exceedingly well able to take care of yet, even when reared in coops and fed himself. Besides, he pays the penalty from the hand, it is happily impossible of being a polygamist. The untimely to eradicate their savage instincts. They death of the domestic male partridge are essentially game birds, and, though may be the missing of a fine covey from never willingly taking to their wings, the fields; but, save to the victims they have an irresistible propensity to themselves, the fate of a score of cock wander. Apparently capricious in their pheasants is of no sort of consequence. tastes, they nevertheless know exactly Yet when the shooting season begins, the ground that suits them. There is what can be in more perfect keeping nothing they affect more than silent with the gold and glow of the autumnal stretches of wood, with thick under­ foliage than the splendid plumage in growth, watered by brooks or oozing which the cock pheasant delights ? You springs, round which the rank vegetation see him strutting in the sunset on the flourishes. Yet we have known them, shorn stubbles ; like his Asiatic cousin when hatched and nursed in such a the peacock when he spreads his starry Paradise, transfer themselves to some train, he seems the incarnation of bleak height scantily covered with feather-brained vanity. These resplen­ stunted larches, where they fell an easy dent colours make him conspicuous at prey to the poachers who took free any distance, though it would take license to shoot there. Indeed, it is careful stalking to get within gunshot. heart-breaking work to attempt pheasant The decline of the sun gives warning preserving on an isolated manor, however to roost ; he flies up into the oak or well adapted to them. To get up beech, where the skeleton boughs have satisfactory shoots and make heavy bags been already half stripped by the rain you must be surrounded by preserves, and wind. You fancy you might spot nearly as good as your own. Fair the very branch on which he has perched, exchange is no robbery ; you get back yet the plumage has lost its shimmer as many birds as you lose. It is curious among the shadows and the fading leaves, to remark how the roving birds, like and the bird has vanished from sight like sharpshooters thrown out in advance of a rabbit gone to ground. So these an army, take advantage of every scrap glorious colours serve him equally against of cover. They have been fattened by the hawks and the ground vermin, for hundreds in the glades of the quiet home they blend quite as naturally with the woods or in some sheltered field. The brambles and the withering bracken. maize and the buckwheat are still being There is nothing more interesting in scattered profusely, but as the birds sylvan craft than superintending the grow big and strong the daily muster rearing of a fair head of pheasants for diminishes. For food is plentiful every­ autumn sport. You can do nothing for where and they have gone wandering the partridges and hares except to take abroad to forage for themselves. They certain precautions against poaching. are not only epicures, but almost omni­ But the pheasants are in some sort the vorous. They will stray far afield to find poultry of the woods, and demand their way to the falling showers of acorns THE PHEASANTS 177 or beechmast ; the various berries in the his bargaining, and that wins the regard hedgerows are laid under contribution, of the ladies, putting him on a pleasant and in the Highlands we have known footing with the tenants, who can do a clump of junipers or rowan trees with so much to help him in preserving. their ruddy fruit attract all the birds in When the pheasant hens begin to lay the neighbourhood. So we can under­ he is abroad at all hours—the gun on stand how the pheasant comes to roam. his arm for a chance shot at hawk, or He is lured on insensibly from dainty to jay, or magpie—looking out for the eggs. dainty, always keeping to the covered Thrusting the twigs aside with the gun ditch or screened by the leafy hedge, barrels, he knows well how to search in till he is tempted to cross the open on the most likely places—among the a run or take flight to some far-away brambles, or the bracken, or the rank coppice. growth in the hedge roots. There may There he will roost for the night, be from a dozen to twenty of the small and, should he fancy the spot, there he olive eggs, and then he pillages the nest abides till, like the adventurers who are straight away. Should there be but a bitten by the tarantula of travel, he few, he marks the place for a future shifts his quarters from sheer love visit, but as he carefully replaces the of change. Though always indulging cover he looks anxiously over his his insatiable appetite and pecking shoulder. The odds are there may be promiscuously at odd hours, like young rooks on the neighbouring trees, in­ ladies, he is to be seen regularly in the different to his gun, but observant of wheat or on the stubbles each morning his proceedings, and he shakes his head and evening. The pheasant breeder uneasily. Phlegmatic as he may should always be liberal of compensation, ordinarily be, his pulses are quickened yet we can understand that the gorge of when he comes back. He stoops and the farmer may rise when he knows that pushes the leaves aside to find the tale the squire’s pet fowls are swarming in of eggs complete, or to swallow his his standing corn. Nevertheless, we disgust over a scattering of broken shells. honestly believe that, on the whole, the These mishaps will occur, but all the pheasant is no bad friend to the same there is pretty sure to be a satis­ agriculturist, for, with the much-abused factory total of eggs for the home rook, he destroys immense numbers of hatching. His sylvan poultry-yard is the wire-worm and other noxious grubs. fairly set out with the semicircles of So the woodpigeon, which is even more coops through long days and broken execrated than the rook, pays for the nights, and thenceforth he abandons damage he does to seeds and roots by himself to the cares of office. living on ragweed and wild mustard for When the chicks are beginning to chip a full three-fourths of the year. the shells, he and his aides-de-camp are There can be few more fascinating ever on duty. Flags by day and flaring pursuits than pheasant rearing, and any lanterns by night, with here and there keeper who is worth his salt takes to it a wakeful retriever chained up on guard, passionately. There is just enough warn the four-footed prowlers to keep anxiety to make piquant excitement. their distance. The foster-mothers are A wise master “ trusts him all in all or more anxious and fussy than the keepers, not at all,” and gives him carte blanche for the precocious nurslings are almost and a free hand. He strolls about the as troublesome as those ducklings that adjacent farms, where he is heartily will slide out of the shell into the horse- welcomed, to make arrangements with pond. They take to running before they the good wives for the supply of brood have well begun to walk, and hide hens. He is charged not to haggle in themselves in the high jungles of

G2 178 THE BADMINTON MAGAZINE unmown grass, where the truants are infancy is subject. But the breeding likely enough to come to grief. When season must have been unfavourable you pay a visit to the flourishing indeed if all these incidental casualties settlement, you are reminded of the go for much when the broods are stirring that disturbs an ant-heap. Till dispersing.' The keeper going his rounds, you make a sign, you may scarcely see even on outlying farms and in isolated a feather ; neither can the mothers, coverts, comes across his late charges who, on your approach, crane their everywhere in high heart and condition ; necks through the coop-bars, and are he can count them by the score or clucking and calling in an excited chorus. hundred on the nearer stubbles. He But if the chicks are summoned by a has saved his credit, and he is reckoning whistle at feeding-time—a sad mistake, on his reward in the shape of handsome by the way, though a common one, for tips, and he looks forward hopefully or it keeps them unnecessarily tame—the exultingly to triumphant bags. familiar signal sets the grass far and near That is natural enough, but we in motion, like ripe corn shaken by a cannot altogether sympathise with him. breeze, and the lithe and graceful little Ludicrous nonsense is always being forms come swarming out from all sides, written about battue shooting by critics the laggards tripping up, in their haste, lest who have made acquaintance with the they should miss anything that is going. game as they see it hanging at the Unfortunately it is not only the poulterer’s ; and it must be owned that guardians who have a watchful eye to a battue is capital sport in its way, the nursery. There is many a predatory developing all the finer qualities of a bird quite as keenly concerned in the cool and confident shot. But for our­ progress of the chicks. The kestrel or selves we have no predilection for the tiny sparrow hawk may make a dash excessive slaughter. For real enjoyment at any moment from beneath the droop­ give us the preliminary days among the ing branches of the oak, risking a right hedgerows and spinneys, when you are and left from the gun, but probably shooting for sheer pleasure, after your escaping scot free by its celerity with a own sweet will, and turn aside for luckless poult in its clutches. And the partridges or the chance of a wild-duck jackdaws, who are always on the lookout, or anything else. That was the favourite are still more dangerous, for they will amusement of the port-drinking, steady- wait with indomitable patience for a going sportsman of the older school, swoop when the watcher’s back is though he certainly went about the work turned. The jay, too, will cut into the in somewhat pottering fashion, and was game ; nor is the generally vegetarian content with poorer results than would rook to be trusted, for he turns bird of satisfy us now. Colonel Hawker going prey on occasion like his cousin the out, early in October, on his favourite carrion crow. Dorsetshire manors, would congratulate Altogether the duties of the keeper himself on a brace or leash of cocks in are at no time a sinecure, and, moreover, his very moderate, mixed bags : more there are hazards which he must reckon than once he notes in his journals that with, but cannot control. A soaking he had beaten the whole of his best season may drench the grass and saturate coverts without killing or seeing a single the soil, when the chickens get drowned pheasant. But the good Colonel, like in the reeking jungle. Or if they escape his confreres, when he did get a chance these fatal catastrophes by flood, they seldom threw it away. His mode of fall victims to diseases of the damp, to shooting may strike us now as a sort the roup and the pip, and the many of sublimated and sportsmanlike pot- maladies to which delicate pheasant hunting. For with single-barrelled guns, THE PHEASANTS 179

slow loading, and possibly a flint lock, their merry voices open on a scent. the shooter was trained to take his time Their course may be traced by the and make the most of each opportunity. shaking twigs, and by the frantic struggle Style and practice were in keeping with when caught up in the withes which the quaint formality of the costume. hold them tight round the loins. The Conceive a man now attiring himself for blackbirds fly out with startled chuckles. a day’s sport, in Lowlands or Highlands, The woodpigeon, sitting close till the in a top hat and frock coat—such as we last moment on her eggs in the pollard, see in the plates in the “ Oakleigh hustles in a headlong rush through the Shooting Code ” or Scrope’s “ Deer­ boughs of the ash. Here and there a stalking.” The inconvenience of the rabbit scared from the ferns or the grass “ chimney-pot ” in a high wind must makes a swift scuttle for the bury. But have spoiled the shooting of a Ross or the spaniels are yelping more excitedly Osbaldistone, and unless the flowing than ever, and evidently they are surtout were of the stoutest fustian it working on a burning trail. There is must have left its shreds on every stake a fluttering in the ditch, a struggle and thorn. The sportsman was generally upwards through the hedge, and with attended by a steady old pointer, or by a sharper whisking of the wings than a couple of cockers or clumbers, broken the flight of the pigeon, the cock to work within quarter gunshot. The pheasant shoots clear of the quivering pheasant was never hurried, and when sprays, to be grassed by the gun on at last pushed up, he was deliberately the other side. A hen or two, flushed covered and generally dropped to a in succession, in similar fashion go deadly aim, unless the flint flashed in away unharmed, and then the next the pan or a damp cap missed fire. turn may be yours. There is no waiting It was somewhat slow work in every for the slow advance of a line of beaters ; sense, though our grandfathers, who the excitement, whatever it may be, is took their pleasure soberly, enjoyed it. incessant, nor is it least with the third The pheasant, being not much more gun who has gone forward. For the common than the bustard, repaid con­ pheasants will run till forced to rise, and siderable expenditure of patient science, the “ stop,” if they neither scent nor for he was a rare and valued prize when hear him, may have the cream of the brought to bag. But now, when there sport with the pleasures of protracted is fair preserving, those off-hand irregular surprise. field days, improvised in the smoking- Then the stray bits of spinneys, the room overnight, or at the breakfast small copses, the unconsidered shreds table on a brilliant autumn morning, are and patches of alder or osier beds, are very different. For once the squire who so many speculative lotteries, with rich delights in his dogs has a chance of seeing possibilities and little chance of absolute his favourites exhibit their qualities. blanks. There is no regular beating. He takes out a couple of friends, a brace The keeper, with a watcher or two, go of cheery spaniels, with two steady thrashing with their sticks in the likely retrievers—one trotting at his own heels thickets, and perhaps some hobbledehoy the other following the head keeper. sons of theirs who have been following The spaniels at a wave of the hand make drop into the line. The pheasants have a wild dash at the hedge ; no fear of a fair chance. There is no netting to their scurrying too fast ahead, for they guide them as they ought to go. A gun have to fight their way through the is on either side, with another well in matted thorns and the bristling weeds advance. The birds rising promiscuously, with the burrs that cling to their coats. offer fair shots in the open, but there is, Scarcely have they disappeared when nevertheless, the hope of a small and 180 THE BADMINTON MAGAZINE select constellation at the end. And all rides. Moreover, then the beaters will that desultory shooting is in favour of shirk the thickets, and each drive will the forthcoming grand parade, if you are end in a partial failure. But on a not contemplating a record field day, bright, crisp November morning, when for the wanderers are warned back to the leaves have been falling fast, nothing the quiet of the home woods. As we can be more exhilarating. The beaters said, we do not care for wholesale look forward to it as much as their slaughter, and nothing can be more betters ; it is regarded as a sort of repugnant to the feelings of the real annual parochial or manorial festival. sportsman than having consignments of It is a safety-valve for rustics with caged fowls from the game dealers turned sporting proclivities to let off the super­ down to swell the stock in the coverts. fluous steam, though doubtless there is It is unpleasantly suggestive of the a darker side to the question, and it ambulances when sharp fighting is going may lead them into future temptation. forward to see cartloads of blood-stained But how the broad faces beam like the feather and fur despatched at intervals ruddy sun, emerging into watery smiles to the hall or castle. Nevertheless, cover from the morning mists ! The keener of shooting conducted on sportsmanlike them will not spare their skins, but to principles is a beneficent and genuinely the prudent poor man clothes are a English institution, nor can there be consideration ; and if you mean them any more crucial test of imperturbable to see the business thoroughly through, nerve and intelligent shooting. The best it is well to put them in a uniform of man is apt to be flurried when surrounded thorn-proof stuff. As for the leggings by strange guns shooting decidedly or the long gaiters, these each hedger or jealous, and nothing brings home to one woodman finds for himself. The waiting more impressively than the battue the at a cool, draughty corner may be fact that pheasants have short bodies somewhat of a bore. But when the and long tails. When the birds are signal is given, and you hear the first flying across him the duffer almost tapping of the sticks, your senses are all invariably shoots behind, and conse­ on the alert, and you have a variety of quently is responsible for many of the little rural incidents to amuse you. wounded. When they are rocketing Flights of small birds, packing perhaps upwards with a rush, heading pretty for the autumn migration, are the first straight towards the zenith, he is to go. Mistaking, as many people do, altogether unequal to the gymnastic feat their personal importance, they take to of adjusting his gun almost vertically flight with wild cries of alarm. Here to the shoulder. On the other hand, it and there a quick-eared hare comes is pretty to see the practised shot, lolloping along, and you can see him as handling his piece with the coolness of you peep through the boughs prick those a veteran on parade, yet falling easily sharp ears of his, hesitate, shake his into seemingly impossible attitudes as head mistrustfully, and turn back. A if steel springs were set in sockets of rabbit pops out to pop in again, or a indiarubber. squirrel scrambles up one of the tallest One great objection to the big shoot of the trees, carefully putting the trunk is that, as the day must be inexorably between himself and danger. Perhaps fixed, the sport and the pleasure must you have remarked some premature and depend on the weather. It is the reverse unaccountable excitement in the middle of happiness, especially when a man gets of the wood: pheasants have been on in years, the turning out in driving rising with unnatural haste long before snow showers, or standing, with feet the line of beaters can have approached chilled to the bone, ankle deep in muddy them. It is explained sufficiently when THE PHEASANTS 181

a grand old dog fox, with his glistening and swift decision. Crack ! crack ! and fur in fine condition, comes leaping the bird doubles up, as if a hinge had stealthily over the waving bracken collapsed somewhere in the spinal fronds, like a made hunter taking low marrow. But, unhappily for the fences quietly. He sits up on the bank pheasants—who, if they are doomed to before breaking, takes a survey of the die, must desire such a quick and easy surroundings, seems to realise that all death—each of the guns is not a Lord the fuss and worry is no concern of his, Walsingham, a Lord de Grey, or a and, stretching at a canter across a Harry Stonor. There is a great deal strip of grass, slips quietly into the of promiscuous tinkering ; there is too nearest covered way. much wild shooting regardless of sex ; But if all has been ordered well and and if many of the cocks escape peaceably, the birds have been crowding scatheless on scattering trains of the forward, stooping their crests and seeking tail feathers, not a few go away to skulk, as is their instinctive habit. with deadly wounds, to flutter down, The tremulous movements of the under­ out of sight and unmarked. There are growth indicate the general dismay and preservers who, in their ambition to reflect the panic-stricken confusion. You run up a grand total, keep pressing might compassionate them if you had forward from beat to beat. It is the any leisure to think, but even with the imperative duty of common humanity keeper, who has tended them more to have a sufficiency of sharp markers tenderly than his own babies, the lust on the lookout, and to make close and of blood is uppermost. At last some careful search before going on. At the nervous hen finds the strain too much best not a few of the wounded must be for her, and betakes herself to the overlooked, but suffering is inseparable unfamiliar wings with the rush of half- from every battlefield. The good sports­ a-dozen woodpigeons. The panic spreads man will do what he can to reduce it to like fire set to powder, and in another a minimum, and will send his keepers minute or less the air is alive with on their rounds at daybreak, with their scattering rocketers. With the sheafs of retrievers. The foxes who scent a feast, shooting stars, with the swift comets like the wolves or the vultures, will have with their blazing tails, crossing and been up and about even earlier, and will re-crossing in eccentric orbits, with the willingly lend a helping hand. But though pulses going at the gallop in the a vixen with her well-grown cubs will make embarrassment of conflicting chances liberal provision in her larder, even she and temptations, no one can say that may be satiated in the excess of carnage. in the hot corners you have tame Would that the foxes were the only sport. poachers. No doubt well-stocked coverts The quickly passing crisis tries the cool are a standing snare to village ne’er-do- temper of the most hardened shot, and wells. We do not mean to discuss the ethics the excited novice with the makings of of the matter. We shall only remark that a sportsman strives more or less success­ if the landlords are to cease to rear game fully to pull himself together. Were because it gets various ill-conditioned there a gallery of experts looking vagabonds into trouble, we should on, as at pigeon matches, they would in logic give up wearing the watches single out some of the veteran guns for which are snares to the pickpockets, imitation and unqualified admiration. and dispense with the use of plate and Not a single precious second is wasted. jewels in consideration of the foibles of Each shot is delivered with fatal aim burglars and housebreakers. ORSOVA

BY J. M. DODINGTON

A f e w days ago I had a letter from a I had not taken a score of steps wThen Russian friend who is at present serving the identity of the prisoner flashed upon with one of his country’s armies. me : it was the Austrian, Lederer, the “ The men had had a long march,” he landlord, waiter, cook and chambermaid said, “ and were very fatigued, so I gave all in one, of our inn at Orsova. You them a short rest. They lay down by remember him, I am sure—who could the roadside and were at once asleep. forget that unique personality ? And I wrapped my cloak around me and who could forget that unique town ? ” stretched myself out on some mouldy Who, indeed ! Orsova. I am not straw in the yard of a little farm ; it likely to forget it, nor any other of the was very dirty but the repose was sweet. features of that wonderful trip which Along the road before me passed an I took “ upon the Danube river.” endless array : battalions, guns, trans­ Starting from Budapest in one of the port — marching, marching, marching. steamers of the Danube Steam Naviga­ No sound but the thudding of the men’s tion Company we had swept past the feet and the rumbling of the wheels. long, narrow island of Csepel which “ The moon was shining, but the divides the river into two arms ; past mist rising from the marshes obscured the vineyards which here for mile upon its rays ; in the dim, silvery light it was mile clothe the banks ; past Paks where as if a procession of ghosts moved past cultivated land ceases and all around me. . .By and by came a body of prisoners, stretch swamps covered with reeds and ragged, dirty, weary, dejected. One in tall, coarse grasses, the habitat of the leading file turned his face towards innumerable wildfowl. Rapidly we were me as he passed, a misty beam of light borne downstream ; now began to appear fell full upon it and the features seemed tiny hamlets, fishing villages, small strangely familiar. Long after he had towns. Some little way beyond Mohacs, gone on I pondered, the likeness haunted where we stopped to land passengers, me. . . At three in the morning I roused the Drave added its waters to those of my men and we resumed our march. the Danube—darker, clearer, deeper ORSOVA 183

became the river, its windings less Never shall I forget that strange, wild tortuous. Now we skirted Slavonia; scene, that sea of brown faces, of flashing on a promontory jutting out into the black eyes and straggling elfin locks— river stood the ruined fortress of Erdod, that indescribable Babel of tongues : of whose innumerable “ fights fought Magyar, Serbian, Turkish, Greek. long ago ” so many Magyar tales are Russian, French—all shrieked at the told, so many Magyar songs are sung. pitch of their voices by the frantically On either hand castled ruins began to struggling crowd. But presently the appear ; past them all we swept, and tumult died down, the landing passengers on into the depths of enormous forests disappeared, the incoming ones settled of pine, oak, beech and chestnut through themselves on deck, and off we were which roamed countless herds of swine. again for the Cataracts. Past Drenkova,

THE RIVER DANUBE, THE NATURAL FRONTIER BETWEEN AUSTRIA-HUNGARY (ON RIGHT) AND SERBIA (ON LEFT). THE ISLAND IN THE CENTRE, ADDA KALEH, WAS AWARDED TO AUSTRIA AFTER THE BALKAN WAR Photograph by International Illustrations Ltd. On into the shadow of Peterwardein, a over its leaping fall we shot like an arrow great Gibraltar-like fortress, rearing its from a bow ; swiftly we swept onward bastions, tier upon tier, above the swiftly past the military post of New Moldava flowing river. On past the town nestling . . . and suddenly we were upon a tran­ under its massive walls—and now the quil lake bordered by golden sands and country became mountainous ; vines backed by purple mountains. We clothed the flanks of the hills whose steamed across its gently rippling waters summits were crowned with forests of and again the rushing current caught pine. A little farther, and the Tisza us. Through a narrow gorge shut in by river discharged its darkly rolling flood lofty cliffs we tore, borne upon raging into ours. Then came another hour or waves; out again into the sunlight, so of swift flight and we drew in to the sweeping down at a pace which made quay of Semlin. one’s brain reel. Then past serried lines 184 THE BADMINTON MAGAZINE of old Roman fortifications into a boiling mighty Danube is compressed into an whirlpool. Avoiding a huge rock in the unbelievably narrow channel—storming, midst of the seething maelstrom as by raging, lashing the rocks with deafening a miracle, suddenly the furious turmoil roar. ceased and once more we were steaming And so, calm succeeding storm and

A VIEW OF THE DANUBE SHOWING THE PRECIPITOUS ROCKS AND THE RAILWAY LINE RUNNING BY THE SIDE Photograph by Topical Press Agency across a quiet lake. A few minutes in storm succeeding calm, finally we won which to draw easeful breath, then with to Orsova, perhaps the most Oriental- a great swoop we were into the terrific looking town in Europe, certainly one of fastnesses of the Kazan Pass, where the most interesting that I have ever between sheer cliffs, 2,000 ft. high, the seen. As I write I recall my first sight ORSOVA 185 of those wonderful domes and minarets cliffs above the wild gorges are ever standing up blood-red against the golden ready to attack some stray lamb or its West. Distance certainly lent its en­ sickly mother. chantment to the glowing Eastern Orsova on its market days is interesting spectacle, yet even when I made closer indeed. Peasants from all the country acquaintance with the town its bulging round swarm into the town, their mules, houses with their sagging roofs and tiny donkeys, and sturdy little horses laden casements had their quaint charm. All with big, flat baskets of butter, eggs, were built of unbaked brick, and those on cheese, vegetables, fruit. But the major the outskirts of the town had each its part of the country produce arrives by surrounding stockade of sharp stakes water, and truly picturesque are all those bound together with closely woven boats and barges piled high with golden

SERBIAN SENTRY ON DUTY ON THE RIVER BANK AT BELGRADE. AUSTRIAN TERRITORY IS JUST OVER THE RIVER Photograph by Topical Press Agency willows. This defence, I was told, was maize, with blood-red pomi d’oro, with rendered necessary by the depredations purple grapes and blue-black figs bursting of the wolves who, during the long, hard from their skins with ripeness. Indeed winter, become most daring. Driven by the river-life of Orsova was to me the cold and starvation they roam through most entrancing feature of an entrancing the suburbs and even penetrate into the town. Floating water-mills of most inner streets of the town. primitive construction, huge rafts of Upon all the hills around graze splendid timber from the never-ending immense flocks of sheep, guarded by forests, boats laden with bright-eyed, fierce-eyed, long-haired shepherds whose long-maned, long-tailed horses, boats task is no easy one ; for not only are filled with the snowy-white, dark-eyed, the wolves for ever on the watch, but long-lashed cattle of Hungary, boats the eagles that inhabit the beetling crammed to the water’s edge with 186 THE BADMINTON MAGAZINE grunting, squealing pigs and piglets, upon the frontiers of their conquered followed each other in constant pro­ lands. cession. Amongst all this crowded life A strangely interesting town, a stork and pelican stood on one leg upon strangely interesting people. Their fore­ some raft or buoy lost in ruminative fathers were the makers of history ; since calm. the beginning of time brief, indeed, have The natives of Orsova and its environs been the periods of tranquility which are picturesque exceedingly ; the men they have enjoyed. And now they are are clad in short, braided jackets, and once more in the track of the storm. loose trousers of lively colours, the For in to-day’s paper I read : women are habited in a long white “ The Tribuna (Rome) prints a garment reaching from the neck to the message from Salonica confirming the ankle, girt at the waist with a broad belt reports that Austro-German troops are embroidered in every rainbow hue ; gathering on the Serbian border. The bands of the same needlework border chief concentration is taking place near hem and neck. The artisan wears a short Orsova, at the junction of the Serbian white tunic caught loosely round the and Rumanian frontiers. It is estimated waist, and a black lambswool cap with that 100,000 are already massed there,, the peak hanging down his back ; as and the fear is entertained that the one sees them at work one is irresistibly German plan is to march through Serbia reminded of the figures in an old Roman and Bulgaria to the relief of the Turks.” fresco. Their garb is practically the Many curious sights has strange, same as that worn by the Roman Oriental Orsova witnessed, to many builder of old, old days ; their forms fanatical war-cries her narrow streets are the forms of dwellers upon the Roman have rung, but it has been reserved for campagna. Even the stockades with this year of grace, 1915, to shew her the which the Orsovan dwellings are sur­ Cross battling at her gates in a last rounded are but replicas of the wooden desperate effort to win through to the palisades built by their Roman ancestors rescue of the Crescent ! UP AGIN 'IM

BY RALPH DURAND

“ No more to-day,” said the policeman I’ve bloomin’ well got ter go an’ fight. who guarded the door of the recruiting It’s—it’s—it’s up agin me.” station to the tail end of a queue of men His voice rose to an hysterical treble who had waited all day to answer their and he began to sob. The doctor turned country’s call to arms. “ Come again back and looked at him with interest. to-morrow.” He was accustomed to see men of Bert’s “ Let me in, guvnor. Just me,” type express their patriotism by uncouth pleaded a ragged yahoo. “ I’ve bloomin’ mafficking and bellowing “ You can’t well got ter go. I t’s up agin m e.” beat the boys of the bulldog breed.” Without waiting for a refusal he To find one who was obviously intensely wriggled through the closing door, ducked eager to serve his country in a more cleverly, street-Arab fashion, under the practical way made him think better of policeman’s arm and presented himself, the lot. panting but triumphant, at the recruiting “ But there are plenty of ways in officer’s table. which you can help without enlisting,” “ Name ? ” asked the recruiting officer. he said, kindly. “ If you do your duty “ Bert ’Iggins.” faithfully at home you will be serving “ Age?”. your country just the same as if you “ Twenty-free.” were fighting for her. We can’t all go “ Trade ? ” to the front, you know. Somebody’s “ Odd-jobs. Anyfing as comes ’andy.” got to stay at home and mind the shop.” “ Let the doctor examine you.” “ It’s all right for the other blokes The doctor was tired with his day’s to stop at ’ome,” whined Bert. “ They work and did not intend to waste time ’aven’t played a dirty trick on their in making an elaborate examination of king an’ country. I ’ave. T h a t’s wot a man who to a professional eye was I’ve done. An’ I want ter git square. obviously unfit for military service. But It’s up agin me.” for the candidate’s own satisfaction he The doctor was now interested in a had to go through the form of an professional way. He supposed that examination. Bert, wrought to an unhealthy pitch of “ Let’s have a look at your teeth for excitement by the war, was suffering a start,” he said. “ Ah ! That will do. from some delusion—just as scores of No, you needn’t strip. I’m sorry, but weak-minded men at the time of the I can’t possibly pass you with those Whitechapel murders embarrassed the teeth.” Then to soften the man’s police by accusing themselves of the obvious disappointment he added, “You crime. couldn’t eat Army biscuit with those “ What dirty trick ? ” he asked. “Tell teeth, you know.” me all about it. I daresay it wasn’t as “ Blimey, guvnor, I can eat anyfing,” bad as you think.” protested Bert. “ I can, strite ! ” Bert mopped his eyes and jerked his The doctor shook his head and turned chin in the direction of the policeman away. The recruiting officer was putting who was impatiently waiting to close away his papers and the policeman at the door—the recruiting officer had the door was waiting to lock up. already left—mumbling that he “ didn’t “ Look ’ere, doc’,” pleaded Bert want ter talk in front of ’im.” anxiously, “ don’t be ’ard on a bloke. The doctor nodded to the constable. 188 THE BADMINTON MAGAZINE

“ All right, officer. You can lock up. I only fort ’e wanted ter pinch the I’ll let this man out at the side door. boodle out o’ the till or somfing like Now, Higgins, tell me all about it. Here, th a t.” take a cigarette. It’ll help you to pull “ You thought he was a burglar, in yourself together.” fact ? ” Bert lit the cigarette offered him, a " That’s all, guvnor. ’Ow was I ter cheap Virginian, and puffed luxuriously. know ’e was a blarsted spy ? ” “ Thanks, guvnor, you’re a gent,” he “ Well, go on.” said, in a grateful and more coherent “ After abart ’arf an ’our ’e comes tone. “ Well, it was this way. I didn’t back an’ drops over the wall, quiet like, know 'e was a spy. I fort he was a swell an’ flicks the dust off ’is pants and ses, cracksman. I did, strite. Stiff collar, ‘ ’Ere’s the splosh. Now you walk 'e ’ad, an’ a white ’ankercher. Quite ahead o’ me till I tells yer ter stop. I the gent.” don’t want yer ter git up ter no funny “ Who was this ? ” bisness,’ ’e ses. ‘ Blimey ! ’ I ses. ‘ I’m “ Why, ’im. The bloke they ’ad at all right. I wouldn’ give a pal away,’ I Bow-street to-day. I seed 'im come out ses. But ’e made me walk ahead an’ an’ git inter the Black Maria an’ the when I turned to see if 'e was follerin’ boys was ’ootin’ ’im. ‘ Wot’s up ? ’ I 'e ’ad gone. Cripes ! If I’d a knowed ses. ‘ Wot jer ’ootin’ the pore bloke ’e was a blarsted spy, I’d a give ’im wot ; for ? ’ ‘ Poor bloke yer granny,’ ses a I b et.” cove. ' 'E’s a German spy, that’s wot Bert’s eyes glowed with the righteous 'e is.’ Lord ! If I’d a knowed it at the indignation of one whose confidence has time I’d a took an’ bashed ’is bloomin’ been foully abused and he looked at the 'ead in. That’s wot I’d a done.” doctor as if expecting sympathy. “ At what time ? When did you have “ I understand,” said the doctor. anything to do with a spy ? You’re “ When you found out that the man telling the story upside down.” was a spy instead of just a burglar you “ When did I meet ’im ? Why, thought that you had played a low outside ’Oburn Viaduck Station. ’Bout trick on your country without meaning a fortnight afore Bank ’Oliday. Night to and now you want to do what you time it was : ’bout ’arf-past closin’-time. can to get square ? ” ’E ’adn’ got no bag ter carry an’ 'e sed “ That’s it, guvnor. It’s up agin me, 'e didn’ want no taxi, so I arst ’im if ’e ain’t it now ? When I fink as all froo 'ad the price of a bed on ’im. I didn’ me them Germans knows where our want no bed that warm weather, but it cordite is kep’ ; an’ ’ow they’ll send would a come in ’andy fer a drink in one of their blarsted airships some fine the mornin’. ‘ Want a job ? ’ ’e ses. day to drop a bomb an’ bust it all up ‘ Then foller me,’ ’e ses. I follered ’im so as our brave boys wot went off ter till my feet pretty nigh dropped off, an’ fight so game an’ cheerful won’t ’ave just as it was gettin’ light we comes to no more ammernition ; an’ ’ow them the back of ’Udsons, the cordite fact’ry, blarsted German Hoolans ’11 be able to where the ’igh wall is. ‘ Give me a leg mop ’em all up ; an’ all froo me—why, up over this,’ ’e ses, ‘ an’ when I git back I could cut my bloomin’ froat, I could, I’ll tip yer ’arf a thick-un.’ ‘ If a trap strite ! ” comes along,’ ’e ses, ‘ let on to be drunk As the possible consequences of what an sing so as I’ll git the office,’ ’e ses.” he had done struck him afresh Bert “ But you must have known that he began to whimper again. was up to no good,” protested the “ But wot’d be ther good o’ that ! I doctor. couldn’ git square that way. If I could “ I didn’ see no ’arm. Strite, I didn’. die wif a gun in me ’and—wif me face UP AGIN ’IM 189 to ther foe—so as Gawd’d say—‘ ’E did wisely and assigned to Bert the not very give ’is country away, but ’e done ’is onerous or important task of guarding best ter git square ’—why—I—I’d die an archway over which ran a suburban ’appy, I would.” railway line. The doctor rose and laid a kindly hand For a fortnight from eight to twelve on B ert’s shoulder. each night Bert patrolled his limited “ I quite understand, my lad. I know beat with exemplary vigilance. Every just how you feel. But no doctor would loiterer was peremptorily ordered to pass you into the Army with those teeth "git a move on an’ go abart ’is biz,” of yours. After a week on Army biscuit and even wayfarers who sought shelter you’d be in hospital and then you’d from passing rain showers were relent­ only be a confounded nuisance to your lessly driven away. country instead of a help. But look It is possible that Bert’s new activities here ! You can serve your country at were of some benefit to his country. It home just as well as abroad. One is certain that they were of considerable German spy did you a shot in the eye. benefit to himself. The lightening of his Go and enrol as a special constable and conscience and the novel sense of being you’ll have a chance to catch another a useful member of the community one to make up for it.” braced his spirits, caused him to hold his A glow of hope and pride flushed head proudly erect, and inflated his Bert’s cheek at the suggestion. narrow chest. Enforced absence from “ Me ! Me a special constable ! No public - houses, moreover, during the kid, guvnor ? D’yer fink they’d ’ave hours at which he had most often me ? ” patronised them left him more money “ I don’t see why not. Go and try to spend on food than he had hitherto anyway. They won’t want to look at been able to afford. He began to change your teeth.” from a waster to a man. “ Perhaps they’ll sy they don’t like When the novelty of his duties was the shape o’ me bloomin’ nose,” remarked wearing off, however, his conscience began Bert, his cockney humour returning to to trouble him again. He was obeying him at the prospect of a way out of his orders but he was not catching spies. trouble. “ I’ll try it, guvnor, an’ thank Never during the whole fortnight had yer fer givin’ me the office. Law ! anyone who looked remotely like the Fancy me a bloomin’ constable wif a one German spy he knew passed under­ truncheon an’ a badge on me arm an’ neath the railway arch—still less showed all.” any intention of blowing it up. " This ain’t no place for spies,” he told himself The magistrate to whom Bert applied discontentedly. " They’ve sent me to to be enrolled as a special constable had the wrong shop.” seen him once or twice before—on He had only very vague ideas as to occasions when the interview was not of the nature of a spy’s activities, but he Bert’s seeking. He did not wish to did know from experience one place discourage patriotic zeal, however, or to where a spy was liable to be found. stand in the way of the loafer’s possible Where one had been, he argued, another reformation, so he administered the oath would sooner or later come. He turned without demur. “ It’ll keep him out the thought over in his mind for several of mischief, anyway,” he said afterwards days, then decided to conduct a campaign to the police-sergeant from whom Bert of his own against the enemy. One night, was to take his orders. " But you’d without going through the formality of better not trust him with anything applying for his discharge from the roll important.” The police-sergeant nodded of special constables, he absented himself 190 THE BADMINTON MAGAZINE from his post and stationed himself whoever it was, was after it. You’re instead under the high wall at the back sure that he couldn’t have learned of the cordite factory. As he had no anything of importance ? ” high opinion of the value of his “ Absolutely certain.” constable’s staff as a weapon of offence “ That’s all right then. The man he added to his equipment a short length must have been pretty sick at having of lead gas-pipe that had very jagged his trouble for nothing. But look here ! ends. He believed that he could “bash” The night-watchman is getting past his a spy very satisfactorily with the latter work. You had better pension him off weapon. and get a new man.” “ I will, but just at present, till we’ve Bert’s conscience would have troubled finished the new contract, I think I’ll him less if he had known how very little do a bit of night-watching myself.” his own particular enemy had been able “ It would be as well. We can’t be to achieve. On the morning after he too careful.” had helped the spy over Hudson Brothers’ wall the junior partner entered Bert began his self-appointed watch his brother’s room with the announce­ with complete satisfaction. He fondled ment that during the night his desk had the jagged end of his gas-pipe and been tampered with. thought joyfully what a lovely wound “ Burglars ? ” enquired the senior it would make. It would be intensely partner. gratifying if in addition to catching a “ Not exactly. I had some loose spy he could leave his mark on him as change in the pen-tray and it wasn’t well. “ Bert ’Iggins, ’is m ark,” he touched. My papers were examined chuckled, “ wot ’o ! ” though.” The time passed quickly, for he was “ How do you know ? ” absorbed with delightful thoughts of “ Last thing before leaving last night what would happen when he had caught I wrote to Doris that I couldn’t possibly his spy. He would stand up proudly turn up for the mixed doubles next in court to give his evidence (in the week. After I had sealed the envelope witness-box this time not the dock) and I thought that I might be able to work the beak smiling with unwonted kindness it after all so I put the letter just as it would praise his pluck—and call him the was into a pigeon-hole. Here’s the saviour of his country—and promise to envelope. You can see that it was get him the Carnegie Hero Medal—and opened rather clumsily and stuck down tell the clerk to tip him a quid out of again with paste.” the poor-box. And then he would say The chief examined the envelope care­ with modest pride, “ It ain’t nuffing, fully and enquired : your worship. I only done my duty. “ Any important papers in your It was up agin me.” Then refusing all desk ? ” reward he would leave the court, evade “ None. Only pay-sheets, accounts, the crowd that had assembled to cheer and that sort of thing.” him and return calmly to his work of “ What about the formula of the new spy-catching until Germany, beaten to explosive ? ” her knees, was no longer able to profit “ That was all right. I always think by the secret he had unwittingly allowed out a new hiding place for it every night. the spy to learn. An instinct that he Last night I placed it among the filed could hardly have analysed told him correspondence of exactly four years that if he accepted any reward he could ago—July 21st, 1910.” not regard his account as square. “ Smart idea ! No doubt our visitor, Suddenly a flash of light from an UP AGIN ’IM 191 electric torch danced round him and a “ I’m the junior partner of Hudson stern voice demanded, “ Who’s that ? Brothers,” said a young man who had Instantly the thought seized his mind followed the nurse to his bedside. “ I that a secret agent of the foe had crept came to see how you are getting on. It upon him unawares (feet shod with was I who knocked you out last night— tennis-boots make little noise) and that caught you fair on the point, you know, unless he played the man the factory and the edge of the kerb did the rest. would immediately be destroyed. With I had to hit first or you’d have killed a wild yell, “ Spies, help, spies ! ” he me with that gas-pipe of yours. Hope swung his gas-pipe above his head and I didn’t hurt you much ? ” rushing forward struck at where he “ 'Udson Brothers ! ” gasped Bert. supposed—for the light dazzled him— “ You, was it ? Lor’ lummy, I thought the head of the man who held the torch you was a blarsted spy.” was likely to be. Then a blow from an “ I know you did, and th a t’s why I unseen hand caught the point of his don’t bear malice though you did come chin ; the pavement seemed to rise up near killing me. But what on earth and strike the back of his head ; for made you think so ? To tell the truth a moment the world danced round that’s what I’m here for—to ask what him ; then he seemed to sink headlong made you take me for a spy. It may through a bottomless black void. After be very important for me to know.” seemingly endless ages had passed the Bert hesitated. It was one thing to darkness began to clear, unfamiliar confess his fault in confidence to a objects took shape—a dimly burning sympathetic doctor, but quite another lamp, a row of beds, a woman wearing thing to tell it to a man who instead of a spotlessly white apron who smiled at patting him on the back would verv him and said that he was coming round probably take steps to have him gaoled as nicely. soon as he was able to leave the hospital. “ You’ve had a nasty crack on the People are naturally prejudiced against head,” she said. “ But a week here will those who help burglars rob them ! He make you quite all right again. This is was wrestling with the problem of the St. Luke’s Hospital, you know.” whether he should confess and take the Bert did not know and the information consequences when it suddenly occurred did not greatly interest him. He was to him that unless he did own up one concerned about more important matters. big factory on which the British troops “ Did they blow it up ? ” he asked depended for their ammunition would faintly. be defenceless against the attacks of “ Blow what up ? spies until he could again mount guard “ The cordite factory. ’Udsons’. Did over it. The appalling thought dispelled the Germans blow it up ? ” all doubts. Better to be gaoled a “ No, of course they didn’t,” answered thousand times than let England run the nurse soothingly, without the least such a fearful risk ! idea what he was talking about. “ Now “ ’Cos there’s bin spies at your place you must be still and keep quiet.” afore ; you take it from me, guvnor. Contented that he had saved his An’ as like as not they’ll come agin. country from an appalling disaster even That’s wot I was there for. I was layin’ though he had caught no spy, Bert lay for ’em. Don’t you kid yerself I’m only still and, soon afterwards, fell asleep. skitin’. I know wot I’m talkin’ abaht, He dozed off and on all next day, until you mark my words. Look ’ere ! There the nurse came to him and said that a was a spy at your place abaht a fortnight gentleman had come to see him. afore Bank ’Oliday.” “ Wot gent ? ” asked Bert suspiciously. “ How on earth do you know that ? ” 192 THE BADMINTON MAGAZINE exclaimed Mr. Hudson. “ As a matter Bert looked greedily at the gold—and of fact it’s pretty well certain that there refused it. was a spy at the factory a few weeks “ I couldn’t take it ; not for that. ago, but I thought that nobody but It was up agin me,” he said, hoarse with myself and my brother knew it. Come the moral effort of refusing cash. on ! I must get to the bottom of this. “ Well, then, look here, would you Don’t be afraid to speak up. How did care for a job—a regular one ? ” you get to know about it ? ” But the mere suggestion of regular “ Did ’e git wot ’e wanted ? Only work had terrors for the man who had tell me that ; did ’e git wot ’e wanted ?” drifted so long through the ranks of the In his eagerness Bert almost fell out unemployed towards those of the un­ of bed as he clutched at his visitor’s employable. sleeve. “ I don’t know ’ow I’d take to reg’lar “ I’m pretty well certain what he was work, guvnor,” he said. “ I ’aven’t ’ad after, and I can assure you that he a reg’lar job since I was a nipper on a didn’t get it.” van. Besides—I dunno as I’m ’ardly “ Thank Gawd fer that, amen,” said strong enough for a full day’s hard work.” Bert with a tone of deep relief as he lay “ Oh, you’d be strong enough for this back on his pillows. job. I want to promote one of our “ But tell me how you knew about gatemen to be night-watchman and you it,” continued Mr. Hudson eagerly. “ It can have his job. All you’d have to do' may be of the greatest importance—not is to unlock the gate for the carts to to my firm only, but to all of us. Don’t come in and out and see that no stranger you see that if you tell me we may be got into the works. You see,” he added, able to catch the spy—and other spies— as Bert still hesitated, “ we’ve had spies and find out how much they know. about the place before and probably Come now ! You wouldn’t go back on they’ll come again.” your country. Tell me all you know Bert hesitated no longer. and I swear on my honour you shan’t “ That’s enough, guvnor. You can get into any trouble.” put me down for the job. I won’t let “ I’m not afraid of that—don’t think no blarsted spy get past me. If I catch it. You can git me lagged an’ welcome one nosin’ round I won’t ’arf giv’ 'im if you like an’ I won’t squeal. I’ll take wot. Strite, I won’t.” wot’s cornin’ to me wif a thankful ’eart * * * * * now I know it’s all right. Well, it’s this It is hardly safe nowadays to go near way, guvnor. I fort ’e was only a Bert—at least during working hours— cracksman after the cash in yer till an’— unless you are accompanied by someone I giv’ ’im a leg up over yer wall.” who can vouch to his satisfaction for your “ The deuce you did ! Go on.” respectability. But you can see him When the story was told Mr. Hudson any evening at his working-men’s club, slipped a coin out of his sovereign membership of which is an even more purse. convincing sign of his new-found respect­ “ So you wanted to get square,” he ability than are his new boots and said. “ Good man ! You’re a good sort trousers. He reads all the war news though you are a bit inclined to be too with much eagerness, and when any chummy with burglars. It’s up against exploit of British arms is chronicled me to pay for that broken head of yours, he remarks, with pride, “ I’d a bin especially as you got it while guarding there, as like as not, if it ’adn’t been my property.” for me teef bein’ bad.” THE HUNTING SEASON AND THE WAR

BY ARTHUR W. COATEN

Photographs by Sport and General Press Agency

“ C a r r y o n ! ” That is the instruction response its followers gave when the which hunting people who are not on country called for soldiers. active naval or military service are Where all branches of sport have done endeavouring to fulfil. The instruction so well it would be invidious to claim has come from hundreds of soldiers at that fox-hunting has done better than the front who would regard it as a any other in the great call to arms. It doleful, nay, evil day if fox-hunting were can be asserted, however, that not fewer allowed to fall through, even for one than 90 per cent, of hunting people season. eligible for active service are now serving It has come, too, from the highest their King and country in one way or military authorities, who are not slow another. Could anything finer be said to realise that fox-hunting has done to prove the manly character of one of great things for the nation in its hour Britain’s greatest sporting institutions ? of need. I refer not so much to the Fox-hunters old and young may well invaluable supply of horses which hunt­ be proud of the noble part which ing yielded upon the mobilisation of the followers of hounds are taking in this forces, but rather to the wonderful devastating clash of arms. Letters from 194 THE BADMINTON MAGAZINE hunting men at the front show how chase. Several officers took hounds out anxious they are that the sport should from England, and for a time there was not decay in their absence. Mr. E. E. an eager call from the front for beagles, Barclay, now in his twentieth season in bassets, and draghounds. Mr. E. W. the Mastership of the Puckeridge Hounds, Robinson, of Leighton Buzzard, was tells me that he had received many among those who made willing sacrifice, appeals from the front, saying, “ What­ sending out half of his smart little pack ever you do, do keep hunting going for of foot beagles which have shown good us if and when we come back.” Mr. R. sport in the Vale of Aylesbury. Fixture Clayton Swan, Master of the Blankney, cards were actually issued, of which the who is himself now occupied with military following is an example :— duties, says the usual trend of his letters T H E 2 n d CAVALRY BRIGADE BEAGLES from those who are fighting is :—“ Don’t W IL L M E E T : stop fox-hunting, and don’t kill all the SU N D AY, Jan. 3rd—“ C” Squadron 4th foxes before we come home.” Dragoon Guards. T U E SD A Y , Jan. 5th—St. JansCappel, Berthen, Just before Christmas a noted Cross Roads. Brigadier-General at the front wrote THURSDA Y.Jan. 1th—Headquarters to the honorary secretary of the Essex 9 t h L a n c e r s . Hunt :—“ We soldiers out here doing SATURDA Y, Jan. 9th— Berthen. our share to keep the flag flying feel EACH DAY AT ONE O’CLOCK. grateful to those stalwarts who are Interesting accounts of hunting runs doing their share to keep hunting on only a few miles from the firing-line its legs. We know that you subscribe were sent home. “ Although hares and to our wants, and we feel that we should wire are too plentiful and jumpable contribute to the cost of maintaining fences too few,” wrote one officer after hunts in case any of us have again the an enjoyable afternoon with the 2nd pleasure of enjoying the sport of kings. Cavalry Division Harriers, “ still it In memory of auld lang syne I enclose is great to hear the chorus of the pack a modest cheque for £20, being £15 again.” Another officer’s account of towards the Essex Hunt and £5 towards an afternoon’s sport read :—“ The guns the Christmas - boxes of the Hunt on the right side of the road were servants, who will no doubt feel the booming away at the ‘ Gerboys,’ and pinch of war as much as anyone.” the vicious ‘ crash ! crash ! ’ in reply Many other officers abroad have similarly showed that we were not having all the continued their Hunt subscriptions, thus battle to ourselves. On the other side showing their anxiety that the sport of the road, in a field, was the hunt. should not be allowed to lapse. Officers many, and a number of orderlies A young officer, who has been in cantering in the rear. I suppose there France for more than a year, writes to are folks at home who would hold up his M.F.H., -doubling his subscription, horror-stricken hands at the whole thing, and saying “ It would be an awful thing but it is just the same spirit which is if the Hunt got ‘ bust up.’ I am sure carrying us through the biggest test ever the countryside gets more fun out of imposed on mortal man.” hunting than anything else the whole The last correspondent was correct in year round.” He apologises for a short his supposition. There were folks at letter by saying there was “ nothing to home who expressed their disapproval be thought about but war and winter of hunting being carried on “ behind leave and hunting.” the trenches.” The Daily Chronicle said In Flanders last winter some keen it needed little reflection “ to see how spirits even found the opportunity of jarring such conduct must be in what gratifying on the spot their love for the is not a conquered but an allied country, THE HUNTING SEASON AND THE WAR 195 while its mourning inhabitants, in Lord Lonsdale has told the story of presence of the great calamity of his visit to a part of the trenches where invasion, are refraining from every sport there happened to be a good many of the kind.” Whether rightly or hunting men. On coming out he saw wrongly, this point of view seems even­ two little breastworks, on one side of tually to have been upheld by the which was written “ The Master of higher military authorities, so the chances Foxhounds Association,” while the other of enjoying this form of recreation was side was called “ The National Sporting ultimately denied to the enthusiasts. Club.” A source cf grievance to many officers It was one of the ironies of Fate that who are stationed at home and could sport last season, when there were so manage an occasional day’s hunting is few people to enjoy it, was exceptionally that the use of their Army horses for good in the majority of countries. The this purpose is prohibited. One Irish prolonged spells of wet weather made hunt made a formal appeal to the for favourable scenting conditions, military authorities to remove this veto, especially in the Midland counties, with and on all sides last season one heard the result that foxes put up long points complaints of what was generally and many a first-rate day was enjoyed described as an unreasonable restriction. by a mere handful of followers. A pack of draghounds was started at I fear that fields will be even smaller Longmoor Camp, but the War Office in the coming season, and hunt officials order forbidding the officers to ride troop have a dispiriting task before them. horses considerably interfered with “ the Happily, the veterans who are left fun.” Indeed, as one soldier remarked, behind are keenly alive to the fact that it proved a very short-sighted policy, the future of fox-hunting depends greatly as the riding to hounds would have kept upon their efforts in this bad time, and both officers and horses fit. I have heard of only a few packs which At the end of last season an Atherstone have been discontinued. I understand Hunt correspondent published some that Mr. H. A. Tiarks has decided to verses which seem to me to tell hunting give up his Mendip Foxhounds until the men at the front something of the war is over. This pack was formed little feelings and desires of those who perforce more than a year ago, and the Master remain at home and are trying to keep the hopes to revive it in happier times. sport alive. Here are two of the verses:— Meanwhile, he intends to keep on his We’ve exercised hounds and met every week, pack of harriers. For we’ve kept your next season in mind, A small pack which for some years Though our followers only comprised, so to speak, have hunted the stout greyhound or The halt and the maimed and the blind. fell type of foxes in Cumberland and Tally-hos have been yelped by the scanty of are known as Mr. Curwen’s Foxhounds breath, Whoo-hoops have been husky and fruity will not hunt this season. They sustained Whilst the huntsman and whips who’ve been a great loss by the death of their late in at the death huntsman, Major A. F. Broadlev Smith, Have been “ armletted specials ” off duty. who was killed by a sniper in Flanders. Y o u ’ll be pleased w ith th e pack— a nice level lot— All the other officials of this pack are W e’ve got some good puppies at walk, And though out of sight, fellow sportsmen, fighting. There is some doubt whether you ’ve not there will be any hunting this season in Been far from our thoughts and our talk. the Derbyshire country covered by The days they may irk, till you’ve finished your work, Mr. F. C. A. H u rt’s Hounds, all the Next season, please God, you’ll be through it ; officials being on active service. Last Then hey for the horn and the moist hunting morn— season the sport was kept going in this Tally-ho ! Forrard—Forrard ! Luie to it ! district by Mr. J. Whithers. In the 196 THE BADMINTON MAGAZINE same way every official of the Brecon that the great thing is not to allow more Hunt is serving with the Forces. In hunts than possible to disappear. The Ireland Major Ian Bullough has resigned Duke of Beaufort’s sound advice is to the Mastership of the Muskerry Hounds reduce the supply of foxes below the owing to his military duties, and it was usual number, so as to alleviate the at first decided not to hunt the country poultry question. during the ensuing season. I have since And here let me put on record the heard th a t Mr. Jerry Rohan will keep debt of gratitude which hunting men the flag flying in this part of Co. Cork. owe to the farmers and the majority of Scarcely a day passes, alas ! without poultry-keepers for their generosity and the casualty lists showing the loss of goodwill last season. The war has keen fox-hunters in Flanders or Gallipoli. furnished a notable test of the cordiality There will be irreparable gaps in the of the farmer towards fox-hunting, and membership of many hunts when the I am glad to say that he has proved a roll is called at the end of the war. This staunch and true friend to the sport in saddening feature is mentioned by Mr. its time of stress. Many of the farmers E. E. Barclay, who tells me that the removed the wire at their own expense, Puckeridge country—it is only one of and claims for damage and poultry losses many—has been terribly punished by have been reduced to comparatively the war, for there is hardly a house in small proportions. It was but fitting, it that has not lost one or more members therefore, that the Masters of Foxhounds of its family. In many cases they are Association at its annual meeting should the young men who were expected to have paid a glowing tribute to the carry on hunting in the future, who co-operation of landowners, shooting were keen about the sport and were ever tenants, tenant farmers, and poultry- ready to do all they could in its interests. keepers. Only by the continuance of It is to be feared that many estates that co-operation will it be possible for which in the natural course of events hunting to tide over this dreary time. would have descended to hunting men In the shires the coming season will will now pass to people who care nothing be as quiet as that of 1914-15. Captain about hunting or will be let to folk who Frank Forester, who continues his very have no sympathy for the sport. successful Mastership of the Quom, I have compiled a list of Masters of dispenses with the services of a pro­ Foxhounds in office upon the outbreak fessional huntsman, and will hunt the of the war who are now serving with hounds himself. He had plenty of the Colours. It contains more than one experience of the work before he came hundred names and is too long to print to the Quom, and with that pack in in this article. The majority of those recent years he has frequently proved remaining, too old to serve themselves, himself to be one of the best of gentlemen are represented in the Forces by their huntsmen. Many followers of the Quom sons. It will be seen, therefore, that have fallen in the war, one of the most M.F.H.’s gave a splendid lead to their prominent being Major Markham, of the fellow-sportsmen, and we know that the Coldstream Guards, who was bom at lead has been nobly followed. Melton Mowbray and was one of the In many cases the Masters who are oldest active members of the hunt. His away hope to resume command of their death is undoubtedly a great loss to the packs when the war is finished, and in QH. as well as to the Service. these instances hounds are being carried When Mr. R. E. Strawbridge, who has on this season by Committees and Field returned to the United States, gave up Masters. Establishments have been the Mastership of the Cottesmore last reduced all round, and it is recognised spring the future of the country was for THE HUNTING SEASON AND THE WAR 197 some time in doubt. A never-failing that fine horseman “ Teddie ” Brooks, friend in Lord Lonsdale has, however, and of Sir Montague Cholmeley, formerly come to its help once more with a Master of the Burton, are lamented in handsome offer to hunt the country at the Belvoir country. his own expense so long as the war lasts. Mr. Fernie continues to hunt the pack Need I add that the Committee have which bears his name. There is a fair accepted the offer with gratitude and show of cubs all through this part of that the farmers, to whom Lord Lonsdale High Leicestershire and every probability has ever been a good and practical friend, of the hounds going out three days a are delighted that he is at the head of week. Followers of Mr. Femie’s Hounds affairs again ? who have been killed in the war include It has been well said that the traditions Colonel the Hon. H. Dawnay, Captain of the Cottesmore Hunt are so saturated E. H. Leatham, Captain A Murray- with the generosity of the House of Smith, and the brothers Captain A. A. L. Lowther that this latest evidence of its Stephen and Captain D. Stephen. interest and valuable support seems only The Pytchley country is largely the natural order of events. How often represented in the fighting line, its the Cottesmore will hunt this season Master Sir Charles Lowther, its secretary depends upon circumstances which Lord Captain F. D. Alexander, and its former Lonsdale cannot foresee at present. secretary Sir Charles Frederick (the ever During these times he thinks it would readable “ Spraggon ”) being among be very wrong to spend more money in those there. Lady Lowther has so far hunting countries than is necessary to discharged the duties of deputy Master keep the sport going with a view to with capability and charm, but now destroying foxes and maintaining other gives way to Mr. W. M. Wroughton, and things dependent on it. George Leaf the noted huntsman of the pack, Frank from the Quorn, is the new huntsman Freeman, hopes to kill plenty of foxes of the Cottesmore. Among the losses this season. The personnel of the of the Hunt are the deaths in action of Woodland Pytchley country has also its secretary, Colonel the Hon. P. C. been closely associated with the war. Evans-Freke, while commanding the Upon mobilisation twelve out of Major Leicestershire Yeomanry, and Colonel Aubrey Wallis’s stud of eighteen horses Sir John Milbanke, V.C., commanding were taken. In October the Master’s the Nottinghamshire Yeomanry. only son, Lieutenant H. D. Wallis, Lord Robert Manners, who is soldier­ Coldstream Guards, was killed at St. ing, has retired from the joint command Julien. Hunting was carried on under of the Belvoir, and Captain T. Bouch, difficulties through the winter, and in 10th Hussars, also on active service, is April Major Wallis was appointed to a now sole Master. Sixteen of the stables Remount Depot, where he is now and kennel staff have enlisted, the engaged. majority being now at the front. In Practically every sound man on the Captain Bouch’s absence the deputy Woodland Pytchley staff has joined the Master is Mr. Cyril Greenall, who tells services, the Master’s daughter is working me that hunting will probably be carried in a munitions canteen, and his son-in- on as last year on the reduced scale of law is fighting in the Persian Gulf. As four days a week. This year’s young for the members of the Hunt, it can be entry of 29 couples is the best for safely asserted that no sportsman who several seasons. Among Belvoir members could pass the doctor and the age test Sir Charles Welby and Mr. Algernon is left in the W.P. Hunt to-day. Major Tumor have lost their eldest sons in the Wallis has arranged for hounds to do war. The losses of Major Markham, of as much hunting as possible during the 198 THE BADMINTON MAGAZINE coming season, to take a good toll of general subscriptions. With this revenue, the cubs, and after November to carry which is expected to become quite on if possible two days a week. adequate for the purpose, claims will be In Lord Willoughby de Broke’s absence dealt with in each sub-division within on military duties the joint Master of the the Hunt boundaries, and the novel Warwickshire, Mr. J. Fielden, is to hunt arrangement bids fair to give general the country four days a week. George satisfaction. Turner has gone from this pack as Nearly every Warwickshire hunting huntsman to Lord Portman’s Hounds, family has suffered its losses in the war. and is replaced by James Welch, who Sir Leigh Hoskins’ son, Lord Redesdale’s

MEET OF THE FITZ WILLI AM HOUNDS AT HUNTINGDON was first whipper-in last season and will son, Mr. William Holbeech, and Sir hunt the pack twice a week. The Francis Waller are among the mourned. summer has been a good breeding time All the young members of the Hunt have in Warwickshire, so there will be a good joined the Army, the young grooms and lot of wild foxes. An interesting innova­ second horsemen are also gone, together tion in regard to poultry claims was with all the likely horses for Army made in this country last season. The purposes. hunting farmers organised a committee In the Grafton country Mr. Henry which will in future deal with all claims. Hawkins, who has been engaged in Delegates collect a cap of 2s. per diem remount work, hopes to continue hunting from each individual hunting, irrespec­ three days a week, as last season, when tive of age or sex, and without regard to eighty brace of foxes were killed. Hounds THE HUNTING SEASON AND THE WAR 199

will chiefly go out with the idea of keeping as M.F.H., I have received the following the foxes down. Were it not for the war, note :—“ So far as possible hunting will which makes us naturally disinclined to be carried on in the Heythrop country enjoy any kind of sport, prospects for this season. Several of the horses were the season would be excellent with this taken for the Army last year, and in pack. present circumstances I have not thought Major J. P. Heywood-Lonsdale, the it desirable to buy others to replace Master of the Bicester, now serving with them. There is great difficulty in getting the Shropshire Yeomanry, has handed stablemen. The number of people who over hounds and horses during his are likely to hunt is very small. There absence to a sub-Committee comprising is a good report of foxes.” Mr. C. T. Hoare, Sir Algernon Peyton, Another veteran M.F.H., the Earl of and Mr. H. Tubb. The Master has also Harrington, who has been thirty-three generously contributed £500 to the Hunt years in office, is as keen as ever. Last fund. It is proposed to hunt three days year he hunted and trained horses five a week if possible in order to kill foxes days a week and drilled City Guards on and to keep the country going, but to the sixth and seventh days. His devotion use every economy. Of the members to his hounds was shown one day during and their sons over 120 are engaged in the season when a couple of them fell the Services, and up to the middle of over a steep cliff on to a ledge of rock August twelve had been killed and many flush with the river Trent, which was wounded. then swirling ten feet above its normal Earlier in this article I mentioned that level owing to heavy floods. At no little many officers at the front had sent home personal risk Lord Harrington rescued contributions to the funds of their the hounds amidst the cheers of the respective hunts. A note in confirmation members of the Hunt and others who comes from the hon. secretary of the witnessed the incident. Fitzwilliam Hounds, who writes, “ It In the neighbouring country, the was extraordinary how many officers Meynell, Mr. Richard Fort has joined subscribed who did not get and had no Mr. F. Milbanke in the Mastership, and prospect of getting any hunting.” Even during the latter’s absence with his so, the subscriptions last season in this regiment he will hunt the pack three country amounted to one-half of their days a week with C. West as huntsman. usual sum. There is practically no one Lincolnshire sportsmen are in deep left to go hunting, but Mr. G. C. W. sympathy with Lord and Lady Yar­ Fitzwilliam intends to carry on as best borough in the loss of their eldest son he can. Mr. Norman Loder, who Lord Worsley, regarding whose fate became joint Master of the Milton pack there was doubt for some time, but last year, has been invalided home from eventually it was announced that he was the front and will be unaole to hunt the killed in action at Zandvoorde at the hounds. In addition to the respon­ end of October. Lord Yarborough sibilities of his own big country Mr. intends to “ carry on hunting in a Fitzwilliam has arranged to take over perfunctory manner during the coming Lord Exeter’s private pack at Burghley season with a few old horses which have House and to continue the sport until not been taken by the Government.” the Master is able to resume control at Regarding hunting in the home the end of the war. This saves Lord counties Mr. R. H. Gosling continues Exeter’s Hounds from the extinction to hunt the Garth Hounds, and has which threatened them. been informed by the War Office that From Mr. Albert Brassey, who wants he is doing much good by carrying on. but seven years to complete his jubilee He complains that hunting is not 200 THE BADMINTON MAGAZINE properly supported even in the rich In the Essex and Suffolk country the country over which he hunts, and the joint Masters, Mr. W. P retty and Mr. burden of providing the sinews of war W. P. Burton, decided last season, owing falls on the few and willing, though the to the absence of so many members at majority of people are glad enough to the front, not to ask for any subscriptions go out with the hounds. There has been except for poultry claims, themselves talk of giving up one day a week owing defraying the expenses of the Hunt. to weak finances, but “ as long as I Captain Godfrey Heseltine has given up am Master,” declares Mr. Gosling, “ the the Essex Union Hounds, which will be country will be hunted as it always has carried on by the Committee, with been.” Mr. E. T. Mashiter as Field Master. “ I have had great trouble,” he adds, In the Puckeridge country the fox “ to get whippers-in. Both of mine supply seems to be most satisfactory, enlisted, but I have two retired servants. vixens having been left alone and cubs A request for help brought many kind having apparently done well. But owing letters from retired servants in answer to the war the outlook is the reverse of to my advertisement in Horse and Hound. cheerful. A large number of good Foxes abound, though the vixens were hunting horses have gone out of this disturbed by troops. No pheasants were country, the Government having taken reared in the country this year, and we twenty-four hunters from the Master expect a capital season. Horses seem alone. About eleven young men from plentiful at high prices; while com, the staff have gone into the Army. Mr. hay, and straw are very dear. Helpers E. E. Barclay’s elder son and joint Master are clamouring for high wages, a long is with his regiment, in which he is a way above their abilities. Still, I hope major, and his younger son, a captain in to keep going.” the Rifle Brigade, has been home In the absence of Captain S. F. wounded. Gosling at the front, the Essex Hounds, Major W. Selby Lowndes still holds of which he has been reappointed Master, the Mastership of the Whaddon Chase, will be conjointly managed by his his wife having taken his place with the brother, Mr. Alfred Gosling, and Mr. pack during his absence. On one Arthur Waters. Owing to the short occasion last season when that lady was supply of foxes the hunting days will indisposed Miss E. Selby Lowndes took be fewer, with possibly shorter hours. charge in the field, although she was This reminds me that several Masters then only just past her fourteenth birth­ last season made the experiment of not day. In a number of other cases Masters’ meeting until noon. This meant a wives are helping in a practical way to saving in horses, and in most cases the carry on the packs while their husbands policy proved quite successful. are on military duty, included among Elsewhere in East Anglia I find that them being Lady Fitzwilliam, Lady arrangements have been made to carry Stalbridge, the Hon. Mrs. Heywood- on the West Norfolk Hounds, though Lonsdale, Mrs. Burns-Lindow, Mrs. C. T. the Master, Colonel C. D. Seymour, and Scott, Mrs. W. Wilson, Jun., Mrs. G. R. the hon. secretary, Captain R. G. Lane-Fox, Mrs. Milvain, and Mrs. R. A.B. Buxton, are both away, and the two Henry. whippers-in are also serving. In the One lady Master of Foxhounds is lost Suffolk country Mr. W. Bevan is engaged to the list this season by the retirement on military duties, but efforts are being of Lady Portal from the Mastership of made to carry on in his absence. Captain the Vine Hounds, but the number is A. C. Jaffe, the Master of the Newmarket maintained by the appointment of Miss and Thurlow, is also away. Whitaker, of Totterton Hall, to succeed THE HUNTING SEASON AND THE WAR 201

Mr. H. Connop (on active service) in will shape better when this awful conflict the Mastership of the United Pack. is done. Another interesting arrangement is the At one time it was doubtful whether appointment of Miss Margaret Inge to the Old Berkeley Hounds would keep be joint Master of the Atherstone with on, but Mr. W. Tyrw hitt Drake, of her mother, Mrs. W. F. Inge. Shardeloes, came forward to lend kennels High honours have been gained during and stables free, which saved the pack the war by the Earl of Cavan, who is from being given up. Many members now Major General in command of the increased their subscriptions and gave Division of Guards in France. It is a donation towards the overdraft at the expected that he will resume the Master­ bank, which has now been paid off, so ship of the Hertfordshire Hounds when Mr. R. B. Webber, who has been joined

WITH THE EAST KENT HOUNDS the war is ended, and meanwhile, Mr. F. in the Mastership by Colonel Middleton, Braund and Mr. Roger Cunliffe have will be able to carry on until the dawn undertaken to carry on the pack. The of brighter days. Mr. W. Tyrwhitt full number of hounds are being kept Drake, whose son, that popular cross­ on in the kennels, and there never were country rider and amateur huntsman a better lot there ; but kennel horses, “ Jack" Drake, died while on active staff, and subscriptions are down by service, has himself given up the Old one-half. The Hertfordshire Hunt is Berkshire Hounds, and is succeeded by being carried on to keep down the foxes Mr. C. R. Mills. —for business rather than for sport. With his usual kindness the Duke of The fields are mainly made up of ladies Beaufort sends me a note on the and the few men who are out wear mufti. Badminton prospects :—“ I can really Covert owners, farmers, and subscribers hardly say much as to hunting this have all been most loyal, and no country season. Of course, there is nothing to 202 THE BADMINTON MAGAZINE prevent it as far as hounds and foxes W. Hall Walker. Very popular and well are concerned, and farmers are friendly known in the county, Colonel Hall as usual. The chief difficulty will be Walker is looked upon as the right man finance. Few people will be hunting, in the right place, and good sport is and consequently there will be a decrease expected under his command. At the in subscriptions. I am afraid that Masters time of writing he is in France, engaged of hounds will have to find most of the upon Government work. Nobody will money themselves, and with increased readily believe that his association with taxation this will be very difficult. I the Cheshire pack actually dates back fifty- fear things do not look promising for two years, that period having elapsed the future.” since he was “ blooded ” at Darnhall. Earl Bathurst, who, much to the Among the other changes which have satisfaction of all connected with his not been mentioned in the course of this side of the V.W.H. country, has with­ article is the am algamation of the drawn his resignation, informs me that Burstow and the Old Surrey Hunts under the Hunt Committee having offered an the joint Mastership of Mr. Charles increased subscription, his hounds will Leveson-Gower and Mr. H. F. Sturdy. probably hunt twice a week. It will Major A. Scott Browne has given up his all be done on a very quiet scale, even pack in North Devon owing to his fewer people than last season being military work, and lends the hounds to able to hunt. Practically all the Hunt Mr. C. P. Shuker and Mr. R. T. Harris, Committee, landowners, and hunting under whose management they will be men in the country have undertaken known as the South Tetcott. In the some form of military service, including adjoining Tetcott country Mr. A. T. the popular Master, who will be unable King becomes sole Master, the two to hunt on that account, and leaves the sportsmen who were formerly associated hounds and country in the care of Mr. P. with him in hunting the pack being now Barnett, the hon. secretary. in the Army. Although it was as far back as 1858 that Lord Winterton has become Master of Lord Portman first became associated the Chiddingfold, Captain R. W. B. Ker with the Mastership of his pack, I have of the South Herefordshire, Major Clive a letter from him expressing his deter­ Wilson of the Holdemess, Mr. Frank mination to keep hunting going this Codings of the Mid-Devon, Mr. P. G. R. season, though on a reduced scale. Benson of the Taunton Vale, and Messrs. “ No second horses for the men,” he W. and H. Whitley of the South Devon. adds, “ so, of course, shorter days. In all these cases the outgoing Masters Many of the stablemen have gone to are on active service. There are also the remounts, so I can only keep fewer changes of Masters to record in the Dart­ kennel horses. We have a good stock moor, Hampshire, Lamerton, Sinnington, of foxes, and everything so far looks North Tyne, North Northumberland, well, but there is the question of Brecon, Plas Machynlleth, Tedworth, increased compensation for losses of and West Kent countries. Directly or poultry by foxes, which may become a indirectly the war is responsible for most very serious question.” of these changes. One of the most important changes In Ireland, too, a number of changes of Masterships this year occurs in the have inevitably occurred. The war has Cheshire country, where Mr. W. Roylance affected most of the hunts, but they are Court (whose only son, Captain W. H. endeavouring to carry on in the face of Roylance Court, has been killed in great difficulties. The following letter action) and Captain W. Higson have from Mr. J. W. Dane throws some l’ght retired and are succeeded by Colonel on the situation in the Kildare country : THE HUNTING SEASON AND THE WAR 203

“ Our normal field consisted of at least on looking over the list I cannot find one 75 per cent, of soldiers, some of whom member left who should be at the were members, the rest donating to our front.” funds either regimentally or individually. Captain Talbot Ponsonby, the Master We have lost practically all of our of the Kildare, has rejoined the Royal military subscriptions, and as the War Artillery and is at present stationed at Office will not permit officers in training Athlone. He has just recovered from or on home service to hunt military an operation for appendicitis, and has horses, very few of them can hunt. And been “ cast” for foreign service by a if one has a private horse he is obliged medical board. Colonel the Hon. C. F. to sell him to the Government. Nearly Crichton, one of the oldest members of

A MILITARY FOLLOWER OF THE EAST k ENT HOUNDS all our members who are of fighting age the Hunt, has lost his only son, Major and fit have joined the Army or rejoined Hubert Crichton, of the Irish Guards. it, whilst some of those over the fighting Another member, Major F. Blacker, lost age (one at least sixty-five years of age) one of his three sons, Cecil Blacker, of have gone to the front to drive motor­ the Connaught Rangers. Captain the cars. Altogether, I find that exactly Hon. C. H. Monck, Coldstream Guards, half of our members are either at the Colonel Loveband, commanding the 2nd front or in the Army in some capacity Royal Dublin Fusiliers, Major Holland, or other. The other half are the older R.F.A., and Captain Buckle, R.F.A., are members of the club, or men who for other followers of the Kildare who have various reasons are unfit and unable to fallen in action. It is worthy of go. Most of them do not hunt. Indeed, mention that Admiral de Robeck, who 204 THE BADMINTON MAGAZINE has commanded the Naval operations Lieut. Harry Becker, Captain Gerald around the Dardanelles, is a member Thomeycroft (late second whip), Captain of the Kildare Hunt. Ralph Thomeycroft (late first whip— Ireland’s lady M.F.H., Miss Edith missing since October), and Lieutenant Somerville, whose cheery writings are James Levis are among the members well known to the readers of this of the Hunt whose losses are deeply magazine, has decided to keep the West mourned. Carbery Hounds going on the most In conclusion, I would express my economical lines possible. They will go gratitude to those M.F.H.’s and others out only one day a week. Last season who have kindly supplied me with the fields were very small, and were it information for the purposes of this not for the sporting way in which the article. Let us hope that when the ladies of West Carbery supported the prospects of the season of 1916-17 come hounds, it would have been impossible to be written of, our matchless soldiers to keep going. Practically all the young will be home again to enjoy to their men, of every class, connected with hearts’ content the never-failing delights the Hunt, have joined the colours, of the chase. THE MOONLIGHT TRIAL:

A Story of the Poona Pony Derby

I n the Bombay Presidency there was no Captain Maddison’s experience as a better judge of an “ Arab ” than Captain judge of horseflesh had been acquired by a Arthur Maddison, of the Ghorpurri regular attendance, year after year, at Dragoons, who, seated on a bench at the Bombay stables ; and he had paid the stables of Abdul Karim, the famous dearly for it. Each year, with the horse-dealer, was conversing with that advent of the steamers bringing horses magnate, and watching with the keen from Arabia for the Indian market, he appreciation of a connoisseur the move­ would, moth-like, flutter back to the ments of a remarkably handsome pair centre of attraction, where his wings of ponies being trotted out for his had been so often singed. In the Poona inspection. Station Orders for October and November Which to select ? It was a knotty would regularly appear the following point. Their action left nothing to be announcement: “ The undermentioned desired. So far as the eye could judge, officer is’ granted ten days’ leave there was not a pin to choose between of absence to Bombay. Captain A. them. Real beauties both ; save for a Maddison, Ghorpurri Dragoons ” ; and white star on the forehead of one, lacked his friends would remark smilingly, by the other, they were as like as two “ There’s Maddison off again in quest peas. In colour, burnt chestnut, with of his equine wonder ! ’ ’ tawny manes and tails ; the network of Maddison's ill-luck at racing was veins showing vividly through their notorious, and men had grown shy of delicate, glossy skins, indicated blood of backing any horse in which he was a good stock. The small, game, stag­ known to be interested. He had owned like heads, the large mild eyes full of many good horses and ponies, yet, intelligence and latent fire, the proud, somehow or other, his colours had never arching necks, the broad chests and been seen to the fore in any race really muscular shoulders, the deep, rounded worth winning. His stable seemed to barrels, the powerful quarters, large be visited by all the ills that horseflesh hocks and clean, well-dropped legs, is heir to. His animals would break proved them to be no unworthy down in training, or else a rival would representatives of a long line of illustrious manage to bring out something just a ancestors. Of the pure Nejd race, their wee bit better than his own. Neverthe­ pedigrees, faithfully recorded, had been less, undaunted by his misfortunes, handed down as heirlooms by generations Maddison would always return smiling of sons of the desert. to the scratch, ever ready to back his 206 THE BADMINTON MAGAZINE fancy, pinning his faith to that elusive his heart and closed with the offer. He phantom so dear to the imagination of comforted himself with the reflection racing men, the great “ coup ” that he that he was but following out the should some day pull off and thereby precepts of the good old adage, “ Nothing win back all his losings. venture, nothing have ” ; and he was “ Well, Sahib, what do you think of possessed of the gambler’s superstition them ? ” asked Abdul Karim, after the that, if he failed to back his luck when ponies had been put through all their it came it would never return. paces and were being walked quietly up Maddison despatched the ponies to and down. an old schoolfellow named Williams, an “ The handsomest pair I’ve ever seen,” officer of the Nizam’s police at Hydera­ answered Maddison, enthusiastically. bad, and a great sportsman, begging He was always candid with Abdul him to put them into training for three Karim, as the two were old friends, and months and then try them a mile. The the Arab never tried to impose upon result proved the correctness of Abdul him. “ I should like much to buy them Karim’s asseveration. Williams wrote both ; but,” in a regretful voice, “ I that at the trial Amber Cloud had left fear the price will be beyond my means, Starlight standing still. “Amber Cloud,” and I must content myself with one, he continued, “ should prove a perfect if he is to be had on reasonable term s.” gold mine to you ; the pony is a real “ The owner will not sell them flyer, and, bar accidents, you have the separately, as they are so well matched,” Poona Pony Derby in the hollow of your said Abdul Karim. “ The price he asks palm. I advise you not to let him run for the pair is two thousand rupees ; in the meantime, but keep him for the but as you are an old customer, I think big races at Poona in the autumn. As I could induce him to part with them for Starlight, he is a good pony, too, for a trifle less. Take my advice, Sahib, with a rare turn of speed, but wants and buy them. You will never regret time. I should not be surprised if he your bargain. It is a chance of making won a race for you some day.” Williams up for your past ill-luck that may never proposed to keep both the ponies in the occur again. There is a secret about meantime in training at Hyderabad, to these ponies which I don’t mind confiding which Maddison assented. to you. They are half-brothers. The Amber Cloud remained under Williams’ one without the star is as good as he care until August of that year, when looks, and is remarkable both for speed Maddison, in order to personally super­ and endurance. Amber Cloud is the name vise his final preparation for the great given him by his Arab owner. The other race, had him sent to Poona. pony, Starlight, though equally speedy, It soon leaked out that Maddison is not such a good stayer. The pair were had a “ dark ’un ” in training for the tried thoroughly in Arabia, and it was Pony Derby, and he had to submit to found that, at any distance over three- the usual amount of chaff from his quarters of a mile, Amber Cloud could brother officers. He bore it all good- beat Starlight easily. If you buy them humouredly, the most his tormentors both, you could easily sell Starlight for could drag out of him in reply being, a good price, should you wish to do so.” “ They laugh loudest who laugh last. The temptation proved irresistible. Perhaps some of you fellows will grin After a little hesitation and some qualms on the other side of your faces when of conscience, as he pondered on the settling day comes.” About Amber embarrassed state of his finances and Cloud’s form he kept resolutely silent. the danger of plunging deeper into the He had had so many disappointments quagmire of debt, Maddison hardened previously, in some of which his friends THE MOONLIGHT TRIAL 207

had participated, that he was determined the possibility of a surprise. Native this time to stand or fall alone. If his owners lent themselves readily to this pony should fail to perform the wonders species of device, only too glad of the expected of him, no one should be able opportunity of betting on a certainty. to reproach him with having inveigled If the general public chose to back them the unwary into risking their money in “ stiff ’uns,” argued the Confederacy, an unprofitable speculation. “more fools they,” and they were rightly Now there was at that time in Poona served for meddling with matters about one of those private syndicates, a racing which they knew nothing ; while as for owners’ union, the curse of the Indian the bookmakers, whose hands, like Turf, known to the initiated as “ The those of the Somali, were against every Chor and Loocher Confederacy,” whose man, and every man’s hands against sole aim and object was to enrich them­ them, they, of course, were lawful selves at the public expense by fair prey. means or foul. Many of its members During the present season, the “ Chor knew little about horses and cared less, and Loocher ” gang had been exception­ regarding the noble animals merely as ally lucky, nearly all the best races of a means to an end, that of gaining money the year hitherto having been won by with the least possible trouble and risk their stable. The Pony Derby they con­ to themselves. Hence it may be deduced sidered to be already within their grasp ; that these gentry were not gifted with for their champion, Fugleman, held an any too fine a perception of the delicate unbeaten record, whilst Clarionet, their distinction between fair play and sharp second string, had also proved himself practice. Maddison’s persistent ill-luck capable of great things. The reports may perhaps be accounted for by the brought to them by their touts of the fact that in the racing field it was with fine form displayed in his exercise gallops competitors of this stamp that he was by Amber Cloud caused them some obliged to contend. uneasiness, to dispel which they decided “ The Chor and Loocher Confederacy ” to ask Maddison to consent to a trial disapproved strongly of the principles between his pony and Fugleman, over a laid down in the second clause of the mile, the distance of the race. The “ Rules on Betting,” “ You cannot win leading members of the gang, after a where you cannot lose.” What they careful consultation, deputed Glibly, a did approve of was the “ Heads I win, sporting lawyer, one of the most un­ tails you lose ” system ; which practice scrupulous of their adherents, to approach they had reduced to a fine art. Their Maddison on the subject. Maddison, method of procedure was simple. They turning a deaf ear to the specious owned a large stable of horses and arguments adduced by this wily tempter, ponies, whose relative form they of declined firmly to accede to his request, course knew accurately, and when start­ declaring in plain terms that he dis­ ing three or four animals, purporting to approved of sharp practice, and that he belong to different owners, for each race, regarded the proposal as little short of they understood which to back, while an insult. The temptation was certainly the public remained in the dark. The a strong one. There could be no question number of handicaps they won was sur­ of the advantage to be derived from a prising. If, however, for any important trial, since Glibly had informed him that event there should be entered a dangerous he had the best reasons for knowing that candidate whose form was unknown to Fugleman held all the competitors in the them, they would suggest to the owner Poona Derby safe, with the solitary the desirability of trying his horse exception of Amber Cloud. To back the against one of theirs, so as to obviate winner of the trial, therefore, would be

II n o . c c x l i i i . v o l . x l i i i .— October, 1915. 208 THE BADMINTON MAGAZINE to bet with an almost absolute certainty consider the matter, returned home and of winning. informed his master. The “ Chor and Loocher Confederacy” “ The scoundrels!” muttered Maddison, resented deeply Maddison’s refusal to angrily, “ I thought they’d be up to become a party to their nefarious project, some devilry, but hardly expected to and, while vowing vengeance, were have my suspicions so soon confirmed. resolved, since they had failed to attain I wish I could lay hold of them and get their object by direct means, to compass them prosecuted for bribery. But they it by foul. Amber Cloud’s stable was in are too crafty for that. This affair is Maddison’s compound in the cavalry being conducted through native agency, lines at Ghorpurri, and was not easy of and the names of the real culprits would access, for it was watched jealoiisly by never transpire. They shall be paid back day by a trooper orderly, while at night in their own coin,” he exclaimed, Doorga, the Padesi syce, slept in the suddenly ; “ hoist with their own petard. verandah across the entrance. The pony Since they are so anxious for a trial, they was ridden in his training gallops by shall have one, but not the trial they Maddison’s riding boy, a brother of the want. Starlight shall run against orderly. Fugleman, and they will think he is The Confederacy were of opinion that Amber Cloud. That will be a joke. to offer a bribe to either the orderly or They will be playing my game instead his brother would be too dangerous an of their own, for the trial will give me experiment, and they determined there­ an accurate indication of the relative fore, to square the syce. Had they but form of Amber Cloud and Fugleman.” known it, they could not have selected Doorga, on being informed of the plan, a more unpromising instrument for the chuckled with delight at the prospect of execution of their design. Maddison had checkmating the Sahib’s enemies, and saved Doorga’s life in the Afghan War ; pocketing at the same time a handsome the faithful fellow, ever mindful of his sum ; for the Confederacy’s emissary debt of gratitude, worshipped his master had promised to give him fifty rupees with a blind devotion, and would have immediately before the trial, and another made any sacrifice for his sake. Doorga, fifty on its conclusion. Maddison next knowing how much depended on the wired to Williams at Hyderabad, direct­ result of the Pony Derby, was deeply ing him to send Starlight by rail to interested in the welfare of Amber Cloud, Khirkee, where he arranged for his and tended his charge with unwearying reception by Douglas, one of the vigilance and unflagging zeal. Governor’s aides-de camp, who promised Maddison, after his interview with to have him stabled at Ganesh k hind. Glibly, suspecting that an attempt might Starlight arrived safely the following day. be made to “ nobble ” the pony or to Maddison communicated his scheme to get at him in some way, had warned Douglas, who entered thoroughly into Doorga to be on his guard. Consequently the joke and promised his assistance. Doorga was not surprised when a With the aid of a paint-brush and some stranger, a caste fellow of his own, whose brown paint, the star on the new arrival’s acquaintance he had made a few days forehead having been obliterated, he previously in the bazaar, and who had remained an exact counterpart of Amber seemed suspiciously anxious to make Cloud. The same night a change of friends with him, broached the subject quarters was effected, Amber Cloud being of a trial, promising him a handsome removed to Ganesh Khind, and Starlight reward if he would bring Amber Cloud replacing him at Ghorpurri. to the racecourse on a night to be fixed The Confederacy laid their plans with thereafter. Doorga asking for time to considerable forethought, fixing for the THE MOONLIGHT TRIAL 209 trial the night of the Gunners’ Ball, to to his quarters and made a gallant which everyone in Poona had been struggle for the lead, and it was only invited, and at which, they calculated, after a ding-dong finish that Fugleman, Maddison would certainly be present. all out, passed the judge’s box a length There should be little fear of interruption in front of his opponent. on such an occasion. At about ten “ Too close to be pleasant,” remarked o’clock on the night in question, Starlight, Harvey to his companion. “ There was closely muffled and hooded, was led by not more than seven pounds between Doorga through byways to the Poona them. But with Smithers up on racecourse. Arrived there, he was swiftly Fugleman, that means another seven stripped and saddled under the superin­ pounds in favour of our nag ; for I know tendence of the strange Padesi. The that Meer Kassim is to ride Amber Cloud Padesi, after giving the English jockey in the race. Bar accidents, we can’t deputed to ride a leg-up, slipped a bundle lose.” Curiously enough the simple of five-rupee notes into Doorga’s hands, Mahratta villager, who chanced to pass and tapping significantly the handle of the stand in time to witness the finish, a knife that hung at his girdle, warned came to an exactly opposite conclusion. him to keep a discreet tongue in his head. “ Capital,” said he to himself in Fugleman, ridden also by an English excellent English. “ Amber Cloud has jockey, now emerged from the gloom, at least a stone in hand. The biters will and joining his rival moved slowly be bit this journey. I think I’ve got towards the racecourse. The moon, them on toast.” which had been hitherto concealed behind the clouds, came suddenly out and shed At the lotteries which were held the a flow of yellow light over the scene, evening before the race, Fugleman was illuminating brightly the racecourse, the made a hot favourite, Maddison making parade-ground, and the white canton­ a point of bidding him up, though he ment roads. Save a belated Mahratta had not the least intention of buying villager trudging wearily along the him. He was eventually knocked down Sholapore road, not a soul was stirring to the Confederacy for fifteen hundred in the vicinity. The silence of the night rupees. was unbroken except by the chatter of “ I believe that beggar Maddison must the flying foxes and the occasional howl have got wind of the trial,” said Harvey of a pariah dog. to his confederates, “ or he would not Fugleman was a light grey, almost have been so precious anxious to back white ; so the pair as they trotted round our nag. We’ve had to pay a deuced to the starting-post were easily dis­ stiff price for our chance, but it’s merely tinguishable in the bright moonlight. putting our money down to pick it up On the race-stand were Harvey and again.” Jackson, stop-watches in hand, straining Amber Cloud was sold to his owner their eyes eagerly to catch the starter’s for sixty rupees, no one caring to risk signal. At last the flash of a bull’s much money on him, after noting the lantern warned them that the trial had high bids made by Maddison for begun. Just as the ponies started, the Fugleman. The remaining ponies fetched moon became partially obscured by a moderate prices only, the race being passing cloud. Their two figures could regarded as a foregone conclusion for be discerned close together, but in the the Confederacy’s champion. dim light it was impossible to make out On the following afternoon the grand which was leading. When they entered stand was densely packed with spectators, the straight the grey had slightly the the gay toilettes of the ladies and the rich best of it, but the chestnut stuck gamely costumes of the native chiefs making a

H2 210 THE BADMINTON MAGAZINE brave show. The stand enclosure and The backers of the favourite were so the betting ring were also crowded, while delighted with the appearance of their there was a constant flow of visitors to idol that they paid but little attention the paddock, where the competitors for to the remainder of the field. When each race were paraded for inspection. Amber Cloud, with Meer Kassim, the On two sides of the ring were the stalls famous Mohammedan jockey, up, colours, of the bookmakers, and these gentry green jacket and cap, lolloped lazily were now doing a brisk business with past, looking as if he had never been in the crowd of eager backers struggling a hurry in his life, no comment was and jostling to get a good view of the passed upon him except by a young betting lists. lady, who remarked in compassionate The Poona Derby, the great event of tones to Douglas, the aide-de-camp, who the day, was about to be run off, and was standing beside her : no sooner had the numbers of the “ What a pretty creature ! What a competitors been signalled on the board lovely mane and tail he has ! But the than there was a fierce rush to “ get on ” poor little thing looks as if he was half the favourite, for the whisper had spread asleep. It is a shame, I declare, to take abroad that it was “ Lombard Street to him out of his comfortable stable, and a China orange ” on Fugleman. There make him run against a great big horse were only seven starters—an unusually like Fugleman. Captain Maddison ought small number for the Poona Derby, for to have had more sense.” many owners had scratched their ponies “ I shouldn’t be surprised if the poor at the last moment, deeming their chance little thing were to wake up before the of success against the Confederacy’s end of the race ; and if he beats representative quite hopeless. Fugleman, I will make you a present of At the outset even money was to be a dozen pairs of gloves—th at is, if I had about Fugleman, but he rose swiftly can find any small enough to fit you,” in the betting till backers were obliged answered her companion, gallantly. to lay 3 to 1 on, at which price he found “ Oh, how kind of you, Captain no lack of supporters. Against the Douglas ! ” replied the girl, clapping her remaining competitors the odds varied hands delightedly ; “ that will be nice. from 6 to 1 to 12 to 1. Amber Cloud Now I shall be very much interested in was quoted at twelves, but no one was the result of the race.” venturesome enough to back him—yet. The ponies had nearly reached the Maddison was patiently awaiting the starting-post, and still Maddison gave opportunity which he knew would come. no sign. At last, Bowman, the Leviathan And now the ponies emerged from the bookmaker, disgusted at the slackness of paddock and filed past the stand, business, roared out in a stentorian voice, preparatory to the preliminary canter. “ Back your fancy, gents ! Favourites Fugleman, ridden by Smithers, wearing don’t always win, or I shouldn’t be here. the Confederacy’s colours, magpie jacket, Any price outsiders, twenty to one, bar black cap, resembled in size an officer’s three. Two thousand to a hundred ; charger rather than a 13 hands 3 inches twenty thousand to a thousand against pony, and by his enormous stature quite Sunflower, Marmion, Lancer, or Amber dwarfed his diminutive opponents. The Cloud.” first to turn, he came tearing down the The words had scarcely left his lips course with long raking stride, all fire when a voice at his elbow remarked, and ardour, reaching and pulling at his quietly, “ Done with you ; Amber bit, and giving his jockey as much as Cloud ; a thousand rupees to twenty he could do to control him, looking, as thousand,” and the bet was duly recorded his admirers declared, a winner all over. in the name of Captain Maddison. THE MOONLIGHT TRIAL 211

At this moment a deep murmur from dashed on the favourite. Smithers, while the crowd, a vigorous ringing of the bell, becoming disagreeably aware that his a simultaneous turning of every face mount was tiring at every stride, noticed towards the starting-post, announced with surprise and alarm that his that the great race had begun. A magpie antagonist was full of running. The . jacket was seen immediately to shoot parts played at the trial were, in some to the front and to take a strong lead of inexplicable manner, being reversed. several lengths. The pace had told on Fugleman more “ Why, what the deuce is Smithers heavily than had been expected. The about ? ” exclaimed in disgusted tones pair were rapidly nearing the winning one of Fugleman’s backers, an old race­ post, and were still running locked goer. “ I never saw him make such a together, not a nose between them. fool of himself before. He’ll strangle the Smithers, feeling the case to be desperate, pony before they’re halfway round.” sought to intimidate Meer Kassim by He was reassured when a friend beside volleys of abuse; but the Mohammedan, him, with a race-glass, said : “ It's all without changing a muscle, sat as still right. It’s Clarionet, the Confederacy’s as a mouse in the saddle, paying no heed second string, making the running. A to the objurgations of his opponent. fast-run race will suit Fugleman.” Smithers next tried a very old dodge, The speaker was right. Ere the half- which he had found to pay sometimes mile post was reached, Clarionet, having with inexperienced jockeys. Lifting his done what he was wanted to do, took a whip he began to thrash his boot back place for the remainder of the vigorously, hoping to induce Meer performance, leaving the principal part Kassim to flog Amber Cloud and thereby to be enacted by his stable companion. throw him out of his stride. The The pace was indeed a cracker ; so hot Mohammedan, however, was far too wary was it, that at the bend for home, there a bird to be taken by chaff of that kind— were only two ponies left in the race, not undeservedly had he been dubbed the remainder of the field having been the “ Fordham of India.” He was as completely spread-eagled. On entering good a judge of pace as was Smithers the straight, Fugleman and Amber Cloud himself, and he knew that he had the were racing neck and neck with each race in hand. Nevertheless, he was other, the issue of the struggle reduced resolved not to expose Amber Cloud’s to a duel between the favourite and form by winning too easily ; and it was the outsider. The members of the not till within a few lengths of the Confederacy now expected to see a judge’s box that, by a slight pressure of repetition of the dress rehearsal per­ the legs, he caused the chestnut to forge formed at the moonlight trial. It was ahead, winning the Pony Derby by a moment of intense excitement for half-a-length, one of the most exciting backers who, almost to a man, had ever witnessed on the Poona Racecourse SHORT-HANDED SHOOTING : PARTRIDGES

BY OWEN JONES

It was difficult enough last season to consider what modifications of the usual get guns and beaters, and it is, and will arrangements it is possible to carry out be, this year, still more difficult. Game with profit, and, particularly, what is plentiful. The problem is how to special tactics are best calculated to reduce it into useful possession. Where bring the birds and beasts to hand, or conditions are favourable a certain at any rate within killing range of our amount of game can be captured by pieces. employing nets and various other engines Take first the walking up of partridges. and devices which in the normal state There will be comparatively more of this of affairs would be intolerably repugnant. done than usual, for birds are generally But in spite of hauls that may be numerous, and the walking way of achieved by the most drastically un­ attacking them is so elastically suited orthodox efforts, shooting is bound to to the scope of a rather small party. be the quickest, simplest, and most One or two fewer guns or beaters than satisfactorily effective method of stocking would be the most serviceable number the national larder. need not spoil the day’s proceedings ; In view of the scarcity both of guns while if all of those expected do not turn and beaters it is impossible to follow the up it is not necessarily a calamity, and customary procedures, and we must does not ruinously matter. Owing to SHORT-HANDED SHOOTING: PARTRIDGES 213 prolonged wet weather delaying the work and swerve to each side in companies. of harvest, and labour being abnormally Fortunately for the bag of those shooters scarce, there was a great deal of corn who can and do walk, tired birds will still uncarted, and even uncut, during scatter automatically. September, in districts where ordinarily It is undeniably a big advantage to by then the fields are mostly quite have a large party both of guns and cleared. Only a little casual shooting beaters, say, five or six of each, if the was practicable for some time. However, object is to make the heaviest possible for this there are compensations, for bag of partridges by walking. Such an there is an exceptionally strong growth amply strong attacking force enables all of rough grasses, and a rank supply of of any rather bare fields (up to fifty or thickening charlock and other rubbish so acres in area) to be taken in one beat. in the poorer root-fields, which, with The taking of a field (whatever its size) luxuriant if somewhat restricted areas in one beat gives you a valuable pull of roots, will assure fine holding cover over the birds, for the chances are they for the birds. Thus, in encouraging will then be pushed off it wholesale in proportion to the mileage tramped, the the most desirable direction for the period for which partridges can be success of the subsequent operations. walked with success will be considerably A wide, sweeping advance on a large extended. The stubbles too are favour­ scale not only tends to send the birds ably long and shaggy with rain-fed straight ahead but also provides a fair weeds, and for some time to come there prospect of your flanks turning rebellious will be at least a likelihood of birds birds into the way in which you want lying fairly well on the stubble-lands, them to go—they have either to change especially when in broken coveys, and their minds and go right, or risk paying if the weather is fine and still and sunny. tribute by breaking over the outside On many a shoot, by reason of its guns. The drawback of a long and small size, or because its partridge fields numerous line is that in proportion to are disconnected by coverts and other its length and the number of its impediments, the walking way is the personnel it becomes more difficult to only way, excluding an occasional im­ maintain (particularly with regard to promptu drive. Yet it is astonishing its curves) and to manoeuvre. Wheeling what really keen and persistent walkers movements are almost certain to prove can accomplish, if they are skilfully troublesome when the line is long and directed and are respectable marksmen, its details many. Yet, on the other even long after the birds have put on hand, such a line entirely obviates a their adult plumage and are full of all great deal of the wheeling there other­ manner of guile and wildness. wise would be ; and it pays so to make The first object is to keep your birds your plans that as far as possible there within bounds, the second to tire them, will be no necessity for wheeling, at least the third to influence their flights in on critical ground where collective or the most killing direction. Remember individual mistakes would seriously always that greater execution can be m atter. done among a few tired birds than Another way in which a line on the among a lot of fresh ones. Walking is large scale is pretty sure to prove less effective for scattering birds, in the annoying, and to become continually sense of splitting up the coveys, than disorganised, is when its members have driving ; for when a driven covey closed up for walking some good cover suddenly, and much to its surprise, holding a lot of partridges. Birds keep encounters a gun straight in its front, dropping in all sorts of directions and the tendency is for the birds to split at every kind of distance, dead birds, 214 THE BADMINTON MAGAZINE wounded birds, and, inevitably, the of stubble which would have to be taken customary sprinkling of runners ; and by the widest way (very likely the direct unless there is expertly accurate marking way towards the cover) in several sections, and you also have capable persons but, taken lengthways, that is in a with good dogs to stay behind and direction parallel to the cover, can be gather the spoil, while the firing line goes dealt with comfortably in one beat. In on unbroken, there is sure to be ever­ the case of this one-beat plan, in a lasting confusion, risk of accidents, and somewhat or quite parallel direction to interference with the possibilities of the cover, it will be requisite to make piling up a bag. No true sportsman use of every inducement which will send likes leaving the locality of a fallen bird the birds from the stubble obliquely into so long as he thinks he can be of the the cover, at the same time guarding slightest help in trying to find it. against any probability or practical Nevertheless, if only such birds are possibility of their retreating in other gathered as can be found without delay directions. when the place of their fall is reached The way to manage this is to deploy by the line, there is a better chance for half your strength along the base of the well-handled dogs of experience to find stubble from which the movement is the others after the main body has gone ultimately to start, and the other half on and there is no distracting turmoil. along that side of the stubble which is The drawbacks and advantages of a farthest from the cover, bringing your small party are, generally speaking, leading man on this side about half-way converse to those of a large gathering along the total length of the stubble’s of shooters and walkers-between. A said side before the general advance well-managed small team can do much begins. But that is not all. The great if the country, for choice, is not very value of this kind of outflanking deploy­ open and big. The main object at the ment is as likely as not to be spoilt if start should not be so much to get shots the persons who are to compose the as to push the birds quickly into the flank are allowed to proceed to their strongest holding cover in which it is stations by filing along the stubble side, deemed they will lie closest, and forth­ which probably will not only flush birds with go for them. The degree of success near the hedge over it and the wrong with which the efforts to send birds into way but set birds in the middle of the cover is attended depends partly on field running undesirably towards the their inclination to go there more or far end. The idea is by every possible less of their own accord when disturbed means to encourage all the birds on that elsewhere, and partly on the influence stubble to run or fly in the direction of brought to bear by the initial disposition the open flank, and so into the cover. and appearance of your forces, that is Therefore if practicable send your flank- to say, the manner in which you line men to their appropriately extended them out. positions along the o^-side of the stubble The im portant point is the getting of hedge in question, and then when each each individual into the best position one is quite ready let them all come ready to advance, rather than the actual through and show themselves simul­ advancing. It is not always that the taneously. Of course owing to the cover into which you would send birds absence of gaps and to other impediments is in a perfectly straight-ahead line with it is not always possible for each man to the direction in which it is necessary, get through just where he is to show expedient, or at all events most con­ himself, and so this must be arranged venient to advance your line. For for as approximately as circumstances instance, there may be an oblong field permit. SHORT-HANDED SHOOTING : PARTRIDGES 215

A decidedly crescent or horseshoe put off it on your own territory. The formation of the line is mostly best for trouble is how to get your party to the bag-making by a small party walking far end ? This would be simple enough after partridges, always provided that if you could go round by the off-side the shooters can be implicitly relied upon way—but that is completely out of to conduct themselves safely. True, it bounds. On the whole, the best thing causes some people to complain of to do is to divide your party, and send interference with their shooting freely, the two divisions simultaneously to file but it certainly produces more opportu­ their way along the extreme in-sides, nities of firing shots at effective ranges with instructions to the temporary leader with perfect safety than the strictly of each to link up at the base end so as straight line plan. The curved and to form the centre of the ultimately considerably elongated flanks, if regulated re-united line, of which the men who as occasion demands with observant dis­ were just previously last will become cretion, are a fine help towards getting leaders of the flanks. If there is any on reasonable terms with birds that are considerable cross-wind, arrange that quite wild enough, and at all times for the flank on the side towards which it is inducing them to lie better than they blowing shall be eventually at least otherwise would, even in substantial twice as far forward as the other. roots or other strong cover. This method of getting round to The explanation is that birds which the far end by means of double and attempt to run sideways before the simultaneous filing as close as possible centre of your line are pulled up by the to the flank boundaries, while enabling menace of the advanced flanks, when any birds that rise near enough under they will probably squat for a few the hedges to be bombarded, tends to seconds, halting between two opinions, make any other birds on the field run and so eventually expose themselves to towards the middle, from which, when converging fire at fatal range. That you the full line advances, they will be are liable occasionally to get rather flushed with an improved prospect of pretty overhead shots is incidentally their rising within shot, and of the another point in favour of half-mooning. survivors flying the one and only right You can modify or extend your half­ way. Birds that may fly right across moon or horseshoe as you please or in during the preliminary operations are such a way as current circumstances apt to provide attractive shots of the demand or allow. A complete and driving type. gradually closing-in circle may sometimes At least one congenial companion of be employed when all other forms of the keen, kindred-spirit sort adds vastly attack fail, and only then if all your to the profitable enjoyment of walking guns can be absolutely relied on to up partridges. But three guns make the shoot safely. pleasantest number, and if they are all What may be called a peninsular field fairly capable marksmen are enough to always needs special attention in the secure a very useful tally of birds. When way of your manoeuvres. But first it there are three guns it is most satisfactory will be well to explain precisely what from everv point of view to allot the is meant by a peninsular field. It is a middle-gun position to the weakest field that runs back into other people’s shooter and the slowest and least ground so that three of its sides are enduring walker and poorest tactician. boundaries. There is obviously no alter­ Two unarmed helpers will do nicely to native as to the direction in which it walk between three guns. If these should be walked for the purpose of assistants are passable walkers, accurate keeping as many as possible of the birds markers, and good bearers of moderate 216 THE BADMINTON MAGAZINE

burdens, so much the better ; but even take them first in preference to any boys or girls to walk between are better others, and the results of your manoeuvres than no one at all. So far as the desirable to encompass the bagging of the whole influence on the partridges is concerned covey will be appreciably improved. it does not matter a bit whether a person Even in these days of usual wildness who is walking between is a man or it is still possible, with a little extra good woman, boy or girl, old or young, luck, for one gun unaided to account provided it is a human being. for prettv well a whole covey ; but it Walking after partridges by yourself, needs patience, perseverance, and decent alone, is not as a rule a very lively shooting. A valuable thing to remember enterprise, nor productive of much of a is that the smaller the covey the better bag, however unerring your customary your prospects of putting some of it into aim. You may walk, or run if you like, your bag. Those fine big coveys are up and down or to and fro across field exceedingly magnificent to behold, but after field all day long, without getting they have a way of taking precious good more than a very occasional shot, and care to allow you only to look at them probably without even seeing a tenth of from a safe distance. You are more the birds there really are—those that do likely to come upon them unexpectedly not rise out of range either run round and accidentally than of set purpose. vou or squat extremely tight till you have Still we all have in us that praiseworthy gone in hopeful ignorance on your w ay; hankering to get a smack at the big lots, and only once in a while will there be a and it is very nice when you do—if you lucky encounter at close quarters. It is are not so surprised and panic-stricken not much use to stick to methodical that you miss the whole lot with both walking. Find birds as quickly as you barrels. It always seems a pity that can ; mark them down as accurately as your most accurate and orthodox efforts your sight permits, and go for them at can yield but a paltry brace. once, always directing your approach If you are going out after partridges with a view to sending them into the with the primary object of making the best cover, or maybe keeping them there. best possible bag in the shortest time, it If you don’t go straight for them when will be profitable to visit the likeliest you are by yourself, but begin systematic­ places for finding birds and taking them ally perambulating the field in which by surprise within easy range. After they are, by the time you reach the spot they have done their morning feeding, where they pitched they are almost sure partridges are extremely fond of resorting to have retreated out of your reach on to some sheltered and, preferably, sunny their legs. spot to dust and otherwise enjoy them­ Should you meet with birds near one selves. A favourite site which offers the end of a big piece of cover and they are necessary facilities for a dust-bath is so obliging as to settle again in it, under an overhanging ledge of the sloping probably close to the outside opposite side of a chalk-pit ; for here, even when all that near which you have just flushed soil elsewhere is too damp, there will be them, then don’t pursue after them by found their beloved dust. Of course it the straight and shortest route, but is an advantage if you know your ground rather by the nearest circuitous way well enough to be aware of the exact which will bring you upon them from the position of a much frequented dusting- direction that will most surely facilitate place, but in any case the conformation the chance of their settling vet again in of a pit and the direction of morning the same cover. This involves a little sunshine will be helpful guides. You trouble, but it pays. If you can can get quite near partridges in these distinguish the old birds among a covey, circumstances when they are well-nigh SHORT-HANDED SHOOTING: PARTRIDGES 217

unapproachable in the open. On rising single-handed is that there is no question with no small dusty splutter from a deep of endangering your companions. On chalk-pit they afford shots at an unusual the other hand, too much shooting alone angle, and are not unlikely to be missed is apt to make some men forgetfully care­ most vexatiously. You should remember less, and seemingly of wilful greediness. they are rising sharply, and this must be A kite may be indirectly useful in deal­ amply allowed for in addition to any ing with partridges that are too utterly other allowances you ordinarily make wild to be approached by reasonable with success. walking, when cover is scarce and scanty. Another extremely favourite haunt to A fairly strong and steady wind is needed which partridges are certain to betake for flying a kite satisfactorily, and it themselves out of feeding hours, for should be flown a hundred yards or so dusting, preening their plumage, and ahead of the shooters. The kite dodge basking (if sunny), is a derelict heap of answers best in open country right away ashes from the burning of couch. An from woods, for the effect of the kite’s old ash-heap of this description is almost appearance is to make all the birds that certain to be clad with a cosy growth of see it betake themselves immediately to charlock, sow-thistles, docks and all the nearest shelter and skulk therein. such-like vigorous weeds. The light, In fact, it is then often annoyingly porous ashes, like the friable soil of a difficult to find them, and when they chalk-pit, provide dusting when other do move they are not inclined to make places are too wet or sticky. Partridges their usual exclamatory announcements, that are enjoying themselves on a heap fly as silently as owls, and skim away of ashes are never very much on the very lowr at a most deceptively strong alert, and if you approach from the blind pace, go a long way and become ex- side, that is the opposite side to that ceedingly hard to find again. on which their wallowing-places are, vou The best results with a kite are usually should have a fine opportunity of scoring obtained by working a large circle of a brace. Similar retreats in which birds coverless ground so as to drive birds time after time may be found lurking into an isolated piece of cover, wh ich till you come right on them may be should be walked very closely, wh ile the discovered where hedges have been cut kite is flown above to keep the birds in and the rubbish has been burnt on the a mood to sit tight. With the assistance spot at intervals. Yet other bag-helping of a judiciously flown kite rather exciting resorts are those weedy little wildernesses shooting is to be had at the expense of where ricks have stood, and also any birds that have sought a refuge in hedges untidy patches on the outsides and in that are not too big and thick, from the corners of mown grass-fields, such as which they are best evicted by a steady sainfoin, which have been missed by the dog rather than by a man tapping with machines. a stick. A kite should not be used too Just as you come through a gap in a frequently, and then only by way of hedge is a particularly likely moment for emergency, for apart from some likeli­ a covey to spring up almost at your feet, hood of inducing birds to forsake the partly because you come upon them ground the desired influence may wear suddenly, the birds having imagined you off. It is useless to expect any gain would continue passing by on the other from a kite in the near neighbourhood side, and partly because their presence of impracticable coverts. Without a kite on the off-side of a gap is due to their the wildest birds can be sent readily into just having run through to avoid your young wood, in which they will lie when approach. A usefully com pensating they refuse to be approachable anywhere advantage of hunting for partridges else. 218 THE BADMINTON MAGAZINE

Driving with a small party of guns retreat on a flank. A horseman of and beaters is distinctly more uncertain erratic proclivities and with any known than walking. The intervals between the tendency to do what he thinks instead exciting incidents are comparatively so of what he has been told—well, I would dull. When you are walking, even if rather be without his undisciplined nothing extraordinary ever seems to services. happen, you are encouragingly inspired Should there be, say, only three guns by the knowledge that you are at least when there ought to be six, it pays best doing something that at any moment not to station them correspondingly may bring about a little diversion. close together but to assign them posi­ Personally I would much rather ferret tions where birds will be most likely to rabbits with nets than be mixed up, in come over, such as low places or wide gaps whatsoever capacity, with a small party’s in the hedge. If birds have not been desultory driving. But provided there much driven, they may be induced to go is a shrewd director of operations, prefer­ sufficiently over guns that are few and ably with an intimate knowledge of the far between by having a sheet of news­ ground to be shot over, some interesting paper on the drive side of the hedge results may be brought about, involving opposite the middle of each unguarded quite a nice little bag. length. Birds are far more prone to It is better to be proportionately short come between or round clumps of trees of beaters than of guns for driving pur­ than over them. Partridges, like other poses ; that is to say, it is easier for a game birds, fly high from necessity rather few beaters to send birds over a full line than choice. of guns than it is for a great company A capital position for only two guns of beaters to get them over one or two is one on each side of a comer. It will guns only. An attempt to over- be noticed that partridges generally have concentrate the flight of birds on a a pet comer by which they leave a field. narrow front is fraught with more risk If a couple of keen guns possess a really of failure than insufficient flanking for a intimate knowledge of their ground and firing-line that is conventionally adequate the ways of the birds thereon, they may in length. Whether or not there are get both strenuous and interesting driving plenty of beaters, the difficulty of driving entirely by themselves, taking turns to birds where you want them to go drive to each other. The bag will not increases according to the fewness of be big but it will be extremely well the guns. All manner of makeshift earned. A few brace of automatically individuals can be made some use of driven partridges may often be shot by for driving, on condition that they are discovering a well-used flighting-line to movably sound of leg. An intelligent their roosting-field. Knowing their time, person on horseback who is capable of you need not have long to wait. But absorbing precise instructions and carry­ you must continually keep a good watchr ing them out will make valuable amends eyes and ears wide open, and your gun for a scarcity of beaters, by rounding unquestionably at the ready lest you up birds and quickly cutting off their miss the golden opportunity. THE HAPPY WARRIOR

BY “ J. D.”

R a t h e r over a year ago—or is it a him and in an instant his sharp teeth hundred ?—I was returning to my little had met in the poor animal’s tail. Dio ! mountain inn from a fairly successful what a thief, robber, bandit, is that morning’s raid upon the trout of a canaccio ! This morning I did but Corsican river. As I approached the leave the little breads to cool for a angle of the vineyard wall there fell upon moment upon the flagstones of the my ear the anguished lamentation of a courtyard—before one could turn, ecco ! dog, and a minute later Turco, the big they are over his throat ! Ma, che mongrel mastiff of the establishment, canaccio ! ” his tail tucked tightly between his legs, I murmured my sympathy and looked rushed round the corner. At the same round for the ravening hound of an instant the voice of madama la padrona evildoer. (For in the Corsican dialect, was upraised in shrill vituperation : as in its Italian mother-tongue, the “ Miserable canaccio that thou art, termination “ accio ” is used to indicate canst thou, then, let no one live in something big, ugly, evil in disposition peace ? What harm was Turco doing as in appearance : “ Cane,” a dog ; to thee ? Son of the Evil One, thy only “ Canaccio,” a great, ugly, ill-disposed pleasure is in strife ! ” brute of a dog.) I hastened my steps and turning the But no hound met my eye. “ And corner saw madama, with darkly-frown­ the malefactor, madama, has he then ing brow and flashing eyes, standing on escaped ? ” the time-worn steps of her little old inn. She pointed to a little round cat-hole In her hand she grasped a cudgel. in the dilapidated door of the mules’ “ A little fracas, madama ? ” I politely stables. “ Ma, si, the son of the Evil enquired. One has sought his usual refuge. And, She shrugged her skinny shoulders. alas ! my son has this morning locked “ Ma che, monsieur, it is but, as always, the door and departed with the key. the misdeeds of that canaccio whom, for But let the canaccio only once show his our sins, we own ! The good Turco was nose outside ! ” Her flaming eye sleeping peacefully in the sunshine when and brandished weapon amply completed —pouff! out the brigand darted upon the sentence. 220 THE BADMINTON MAGAZINE

A little later as I was passing by the multitude of pigs. Pigs of every hue, mules’ stable I paused and looked at black, white, ring-streaked, spotted and the cat-hole ; my ear caught the sound speckled ; pigs of every age from the of a faint movement within. pink-nosed suckling to the ancient sow “ Vien’, vien’ ! ” I murmured softly, of most hideous and revolting aspect. and a small black nose appeared in the They charged down the narrow street, opening—only to be instantly withdrawn. men, women, and children fled before I bethought me of the remains of my them ; donkeys, sheep, goats, yielded to early morning snack by the Golo River them the crown of the causeway. which were yet in my pocket and held A handcart laden with huge “breads” a sandwich before the cat-hole. Like stood before the inn door. In an instant lightning, a round, brindled head flashed it was overthrown, and a seething mael­ through and seized it—from within came strom of biting, squealing fiends hurtled a joyous smacking of lips. A second around the spoil. piece met with the same swift acceptance; “ Thieves! Brigands! Bandits! . . See the third I held at a little distance frpm you, monsieur, at this hour they are the door—after a second’s pause the fed in the plain out there by the river, canaccio crept forth. and they charge through our street in a Such a canaccio ! A small, brindled devastating whirlwind. Dio ! But see, puppy three or four months old. A most then, the robbers ! ” and leaning far out ungainly puppy, with awkward legs too of the window the old lady brandished long for his thin body, with huge feet her fist in impotent fury as a boy, and a head several sizes too big, an carrying on his head a basket of cabbages, absolute tadpole of a puppy ! As his emerged from a side lane, stopped dead jaws closed upon the tit-bit he looked at sight of the brigands and turned to up at me with his beady black eyes and escape. Too late! In a trice he was for a moment he smiled—that whole­ surrounded. He cast the basket into hearted dog-smile : ears laid back, eyes their midst and fled. softly glowing, tail wagging with an Rooting up the gutters, snatching at energy which sets the whole body every unconsidered trifle in the roadway, a-quivering. Only for a fleeting instant the avalanche rolled down the street and that entrancing smile, then with a out into the open country. But a gaunt cascade of shrill falsetto barks, and an old sow remained behind exploring a ecstatic, prancing war-dance, he fell with dilapidated dustbin in search of some tooth and claw upon my untied succulent morsel. Suddenly there was bootlace. a lightning-like flash of a small brindled That evening as I was sitting down to object across the dirty street, an dinner there arose from the narrow anguished squeal as of the parting of street below the most terrific clamour : soul from body, and I saw, for one brief ear-piercing shrieks, shrill squeals, deep, moment, the canaccio clinging like a hoarse grunts—an absolute pandemo­ parasitic growth to the sow’s hideous nium of sound. head, his sharp teeth clenched in her “ Ah, the bandits ! ” madama cried, huge, flapping ear. and hastily setting down the soup tureen And then ensued such a Goliath and rushed to the window. David rough-and-tumble in the dirt of Jove ! could it be a vendetta feud the highway as words are poor to raging below ? Was I at last to behold describe—a pandemonium of furious this cherished Corsican institution ? I grunts and ear-rending shrieks, of gnash­ ran forward and peered over the ing of long, yellow teeth and rollings in padrona’s shoulder. . . . From end to the mire, in unavailing strivings to tear end the road was filled with a surging to pieces and crush into nothingness that THE HAPPY WARRIOR '221 silent, nimble, indestructible foe who some quarantine regulations—still, could clung like grim death to his prey. I abandon such a faithful follower ? At last the fiery anguish conquered ; No ! with a final series of squeals which awoke So a few francs were pressed into the echoes of hill and dale the old lady madama’s willing palm, and the puppy fled madly down the street and dis­ leapt joyfully into my travelling carriage appeared, the canaccio still dangling like as I set out for Ajaccio. “ Here,” said a pendant from her far from shell-like he, " is most surely the beginning of ear. How he was eventually induced to such a colossal adventure as I have relinquish his limpet-like hold remains never yet known ! ” a matter for conjecture, but ten minutes It was indeed, my canaccio. Would later an inexpressibly loathly-looking that I had left you in your home among object limped into the courtyard. One the mountains ! And yet, though you paw dangled helplessly, one eye was had then been shown the end of the hermetically sealed, the coat was a mass journey upon which you started on that of blood and slime and dirt. But the fair spring morning, I am confident tail was curled proudly aloft, the one that nothing on earth could have turned undamaged eye glowed like a live coal, you back. and, as it met mine, the canaccio’s Arrived at Ajaccio, unexpected news swollen lips curled back from his sharp met me. News that necessitated my white teeth in a gleeful grin. wandering over the face of Europe for It was immediately after this moving two or three months before returning to episode that the young varmint decided England—how about the puppy ? to bestow his society upon me, with the “ Leave him with me,” said a kind conviction, no doubt, that in the follow­ old French friend, “ le pauvre, petit ing of my walks abroad lay immense Tou-Tou ! My son, Jacques, is devoted opportunities for the heart-stirring to dogs, and will look after him well. adventures which his dauntless spirit Also the knowledge that he will be craved. So whether I trudged along waiting to greet you will perhaps bring the wide high-road constructed in the you back to us before the year is out.” palmy days of Corsica’s great son or Probably it would have helped to do climbed the winding goat-tracks among so. But before the canaccio had been the macchie, at my heel trotted the more than three months with my kind canaccio, gay, alert, ears pricked eagerly friends, barely had I stepped once more forward, ever on the look out for some upon English soil, when the whirlwind joyous shindy. Nor did he look in vain ; of war caught up the nations and drove in the terrific onrush of the droves of them before it like chaff. . . . swine which were seeking their susten­ On New Year’s Day, 1915, I had a ance by the wayside, in the fierce letter from old Monsieur de Nefve : onslaught from some mountain bergerie “ My son, Jacques,” it said, “ has long of a phalanx of shepherds’ dogs with been waiting eagerly to go to the front, hackles erect and eyes savagely gleaming, where your countrymen and mine fight the little fellow had ample opportunity side by side and shed their blood for proving that though his bodily frame together. But to his great annoyance might still be weak the spirit which he has been sent to the interior of the inhabited it was unconquerable. island, to Corte, in order to train our But the weeks were swiftly passing, troops there. However, any day the call the hour for return to my own land wras for which he so impatiently waits may fast approaching. Should the canaccio come. Your dog, a fine great fellow accompany me ? He would be a bother, now—did I not tell you, my friend, that certainly—and there were those trouble­ he would grow to that big head and to 222 THE BADMINTON MAGAZINE those huge feet ?—is with Jacques, who to him~ above all others, devolves the says that it will be many a long year unspeakably painful task of conveying to before the dogs of Corte forget his you the sad intelligence that your noble advent into their midst. Of a very truth son has fallen upon the field of honour. he cleared the streets before him ; To him has been granted the inestimable within a day of his arrival he was ur- privilege of dying for France. The best disputed sovereign of the place ! My of comrades, the bravest of men. As I son calls him ‘ The Happy Warrior,’ so write of his end my tears fall fast. And gleeful is he in his enthusiasm for the yet it is the death which he, himself, b attle.” wrould have chosen before all others. A later letter from the old man—I “ For some days, but for the artillery have it before me now—reads : “ My duel overhead, all had been quiet in our dear son, Jacques, is in the north of trenches. Then came a night of rain France, fighting for our beloved country, and mist during which wre delivered the and I am alone. Quite alone, for even attack for which we had long been The Happy Warrior has left me. And preparing. Monsieur, it was successful ; the manner of his going you will, my we drove out the Bosches, and gained friend, be interested to hear : many metres of their ground. But “ When the morning came on which shortly afterwards they poured upon us my son was to sail for Marseilles, he such a storm of shot and shell as made said : ‘ I will chain the Warrior in the it impossible for us to retain the more yard, lest he should try to follow me.’ advanced part of our gains—the fore­ The dog submitted meekly enough to most trenches, in effect, were entirely the tying-up, but, my friend, I observed effaced by the avalanche of shells, and a curious glow in his eye. An hour or we fell back to the less advanced line, two later the steamer was slowly quitting where we firmly consolidated our the quay and my son was leaning over position. And then, monsieur, it was the railing of the deck, his eyes fixed that we discovered the absence of your upon mine. Suddenly I hear the clank gallant son. of a broken chain, I see a big brown “ Two days later we again advanced, object flash past me. It is the Warrior. and again we drove the enemy before us. He gives one great, one incredible, leap— Dear monsieur, in the crater made by and is on the deck by my son’s side. a shell we then found your beloved son, “ And now he is with Jacques in the so peacefully lying at rest. In his trenches (my friend, you will forgive ? gallant breast was a wound—the bullet there was no other way) ; he rejoices must have sped directly through his in the cannon’s roar, he dashes forward brave heart, so that he suffered not at in the charge ; with all his heart he all. Believe this, dear monsieur, it was loathes his master’s foe—so my son indeed so. recounts to me.” “ By his side—and at the spectacle A third letter lies on my desk. Across our men wept like babes—lay his faithful its first page my old friend has feebly dog, dead also. A huge German had traced a single line : “ This will tell driven his bayonet through the animal’s you what I cannot force myself to write.” body. But the man, too, lay dead—for And the letter, written in a strange hand, in his throat were clenched the dog’s says : teeth. Monsieur, the noble beast had “ Monsieur,—Upon me who was his torn out the windpipe of his master’s friend, upon me who loved and looked up foe.” PLAYS AND PLAYERS

BY S. R. LITTLE WOOD

A ltogether there has been a remarkably nothing. We are not taking the theatre vigorous opening to the autumn season seriously. It just happens to be the at the theatres. No one would have handiest necessarv recreation of its kind. imagined even a few months ago that The fuss is quite superficial. In our the fall of the leaf would find at least newspapers as in our actual war-time half-a-dozen assured successes in full cry, life, we need a certain relief. It is the and the playhouses, in the West End at theatre’s business to give it us—not only any rate, to all intents and purposes as on the stage itself, but in all the chatter busy as they could hope to be even in a about ideas and personalities that goes normal year. Not least I have been with the arrival of a first-night. It does struck with the remarkable amount of not really matter any more than the attention that theatrical events have play itself; but it is part of the same been getting in the papers. While, of game. So long as there is no mistake course, the real heart of the nation and made about the aim, it serves a good every ounce of its transmutable energy end. How otherwise, indeed, could I is being turned elsewhere, it is astonishing indite these very pages with a clear how much apparent excitement has been conscience ? worked up lately over the most trifling stage incidents. An actress loses her dog, F o l l o w i n g “ T h e B i g D r u m .” and instantly columns of sympathy As a matter of fact all this sort of appear, garnished with sprightly inter­ thing is a very fascinating study on its views, descriptions of the ribbon, the own account for those of us who are comb, the jewelled toilet-box devoted interested in human nature. So much to the darling’s needs, and heaven knows so that I cannot help being just a little what besides. In a few days the dog sorry that it was not treated rather reappears. More interviews; more more deeply in the actual play about descriptions ; more toilet-boxes ! As which we have all been talking, Sir Arthur for the plays themselves, they are Pinero’s “ The Big Drum ” at the certainly more talked about, more St. James’s. So far as the play is written about, than has been the case concerned, it is clear enough what is for years. both the wrong and the right of it. An “ unhappy ” ending is changed There is undoubtedly any amount of to a supposedly “ happy ” one in the splendid work in it, alike in wit and new Pinero play by the mere omission, wisdom. No less undoubtedly Sir Arthur in performance, of a few minutes’ began one play and finished another. dialogue. There is not a jot of exaggera­ He began with a satire and went on with tion in saying that more of a pother a soul-study. The soul-study as we is made about it than if it were an all know has been docked. But the important piece of news from the front. ending, “ happy ” or otherwise, is really Could one blame any casual observer, of no importance whatever. The simple who did not happen to see deep enough fact is that having started us off for a to know the truth, if he inferred that we social skit, Sir Arthur had not given were quite unaware of being protagonists himself time to make us vitally interested all the while in the mightiest conflict in his two lovers, neither of whom is in history ? what he and she respectively is put Of course the truth is that these up to be. Comtesse Ottoline is not fanfares, at the heart of them, mean “ vulgar,” and Philip, the novelist-hero, 224 THE BADMINTON MAGAZINE

is very evidently not an unappreciated helps to make the St. James’s play genius. just the thing for a war-time enter­ But setting the two lovers aside, I tainment. I should like to have

MISS LILY ELSIE, WHO RETURNS TO THE STAGE AS “ MAVOURNEEN ” AT HIS MAJESTY’S Photograph by Foulsham & Banfield have to confess that I miss a good deal seen Sir Arthur treat puffery just even in that satire on the vogue of as conscientiously as he has treated puffery which is what everybody agrees Ottoline’s temperament. I should like PLAYS AND PLAYERS 225 to have seen him show us the good that pushfulness as Lady Filson. But, like there is in it as well as the bad, which is, the actual thing, the “ big drum ” of after all, only fair play, even in a satirist. Society has two sides to it. All

MISS JESSIE WINTER, THE LATEST KATE IN “ PETE ” AT THE ALDWYCH THEATRE Photograph by Bassano It is all very well to laugh at Mr. “ drummers ” are not amiable idiots. Aynesworth’s brilliant character-sketch It is an extremely valuable instrument of the pompous and brainless Sir Randle in the orchestra of life is the “ big Filson, and at Miss Helen Ferrers’ superb drum.” Life is an art, after all. The 226 THE BADMINTON MAGAZINE centre of the stage has to be filled, and play, will be Mr, Leonard Boyne’s two this flummery of vogues and crazes, the brief appearances as the Irish baronet, applause of arrogant success, the elbow­ Ottoline’s rejected suitor, Sir Timothy. ing aside of modest failure, is just Through all these years we have been Society’s rough way of keeping it filled so used to the perfect art of this fine by someone who is alive and interesting, sportsman and actor that we have been someone who is worth a good “entrance,” a little too prone to take him for granted. and a dignified exit at curtain-fall. We have been apt to imagine that it is There is nothing wrong with the just a question of a delightful manner— “ big drum ” in itself. All great men of that curious faculty he has of giving have been ushered in with it sooner or the impression (although in reality he later. One has only to read Shakespeare’s is a most abstemious man and earnest earliest dedication to recognise the and careful actor) that the character he already-confirmed “drummer.” “Fame,” plays has been celebrating his good we know, was the “spur” that influenced fortune, or forgetting his bad, in just the Milton, who, like other great poets, was least little gentlemanly overdose of—shall to a very great extent his own press- we say ?—nectar. How Mr. Boyne agent — Nelson, Byron, Clive, Wolfe, achieves it is a mystery, but it is a what would they have done without the faculty we should miss very much in “ big drum ” ? It is a delicate question, its full gracefulness if the stage were to but it would be interesting to know if lose him. Sir Arthur Pinero could say that in his There is always something about own conscience he is absolutely free from Mr. Leonard Boyne’s acting that is like all remembrance of ever having done or nothing and no one else—a certain natural­ said or written anything with a view to ness of polished but still naive humanity a public effect beyond that of art for —a certain grace of humour in his pathos art’s sake. In the end it comes to this, and pathos in his humour, so that one that the “ big drum ” is only to be never knows whether to laugh or cry. deplored when it heralds the wrong man. One only knows that somehow or other As for Philip Mackworth, Sir Arthur’s he always gets one’s sympathies. In supposedly reticent novelist, the real these two little scenes it is wonderful ending of him would be, I am perfectly how he holds the entire audience tense certain, the discovery that the “ big and silent over a confession which the drum ” was just the thing he was slightest flawT in sincerity would make making for, but that in his case Society ludicrous. was entirely right in keeping it for If it had done nothing else, I should someone else. have welcomed “The Big Drum ” as giving this little opportunity of a tribute S p o r t s m a n a n d A c t o r . to Mr. Leonard Boyne, whose art does Still, despite the fault at both ends, honour not only to himself but to Ireland. what a bright and dexterous play is Was there ever, by the way, a finer left between ! What splendid acting, Sir Lucius O’Trigger ? I personally have not only from Miss Irene Vanbrugh as never been contented with any other the Comtesse, with that delicately since I heard him tell of the affair with intimate and intricate character of hers, a gentleman who “ put an affront upon but also by Sir George Alexander, not­ me counthry ” ! withstanding the fact that Philip is little else but a conceited prig and bore. I T h e P e r v a s i v e “ C r o o k .” think, too, that one of the performances Apart from “ The Big Drum,” the that will be most vividly and gratefully products of the month have been most remembered by everybody who sees the of them of a more or less conventional PLAYS AND PLAYERS 227 order. The all-conqnering “ crook ” in “ The Ware Case,” at Wyndham’s, play seems destined to arrive in by “ George Plevdell.” Mr. Pleydell’s battalions. We have had it both in its name can, of course, hardly be said to

MISS MABEL RUSSELL, IN “ THE ONLY GIRL ” AT THE APOLLO Photograph by Foulsham & Banfield American form in “ Ivick-In ” at the disguise Mr. George r leydell hJcincroit, Vaudeville, and in another phase, and Sir Squire and Lady Bancroft’s son, who with a^somewhat higher English polish, has already done so much promising 228 THE BADMINTON MAGAZINE work. Quite apart from the admirably that the Elizabethan drama owed much strong, quiet acting of Mr. Ramsay of its vigour to being intimately bound Wallace and the singular grace and up with sport—far more so than our gentleness of its American heroine, Miss own—and that the site of the first play­ Helen Holmes, “ Kick-In ” has the house, The Theatre, which Burbage special merit of an unusual and really built in Shoreditch, was chosen very impressive display of New York slang. largely because it was on the edge of the Never have I realised to quite the same great playing-fields of London. It would purpose—at any rate, since Miss Rose appear that there are those still who Stahl came to the same theatre in would have that immortal little company “ The Chorus Lady ”—how right the of players and dramatists a sort of “high­ satirist was when he said that America brow ” clan, and the old “ Theatre ” a had everything in common with England kind of classic museum, with Shakespeare except its language. This New York as a high-priest and librarian-in-chief lingo certainly does lack elasticity. A who in Sir Sidney Lee’s phrase “breathed vocabulary in which everybody without books.” Is this the right point of view ? exception is a “ guy ” robs the very Was there not a good deal more of healthy word of its force. But those shining open-air life—not to say reckless jollity— phrases are at least fresh-minted from about those earliest matinees than we the life of the street and the saloon, pretend ? instead of being a mere echo of literature Curiously enough, it so happens that as is so much even of our most casual the London County Council have lately English talk. It is hardly believable to discovered the approximate site of this what extent our ordinary conversation very theatre. In a little pamphlet which is taken straight from the Bible, they have just published one gets a far Shakespeare, and Dickens. breezier view of the foundations of In “ The Ware Case ” we have the Elizabethan drama than some of the inevitable trial scenes—but it is one of graver sort of scholars are wont to the best of the many that our stage has suggest, even when they know better. lately witnessed. Moreover it is followed In this little pam phlet, written by Mr. by a piece of sheer nervous acting on the W. W. Braines, it is shown that The part of Mr. Gerald Du Maurier and Miss Theatre was actually built against a Marie Lohr that can hardly be matched wall “ next to the fields commonly called in its own way. Also there is a particu­ Finsbury Fields.” On the other side larly delightful performance by Mr. was a Great Barn “ very ruynous and Arthur Hatherton of an old bookie, the decayed ”—so much so indeed that it only believer left in the end to the had actually to be shored up against baronet-m urderer “ hero.” The play is the theatre. Even the performances brightly written in its comedy scenes seem to have been as often as not and carefully constructed. But it is a jovial to the extent of “ greate disorder ” puzzle-play. Everything depends upon —so that, as we all know, “ The Theatre” the audience being kept in the dark as had to be “ pluked downe ” in obedience to who did the murder. As audiences to official command. By a dramatic coup must obviously know before they can it was transferred bodily in one night sympathise, this always brings its to the south side of the river by Burbage, revenges. that “ stubborne fellow ” who was none the less capable of “ swete persuasion ” T h e H o r s e i n S h a k e s p e a r e . when necessary, there to become the I am sorry that I appear to have fallen world-famous Globe. foul of some good folk in a contention I Everything points to the fact that the ventured upon a couple of months ago Elizabethan drama really grew, not out PLAYS AND PLAYERS 229

of any learned ritual, but out of the in the fields. And even Shakespeare rough-and-ready “ gaffs,” to which the himself—how much more there was of

MISS MARY CLARE, APPEARING IN MR. ROBERT COURTNEIDGE’S PRODUCTION OF “ THE LIGHT BLUES ” Photograph by Bassano London apprentices and “ afternoon the sportsman about him than some men ” flocked after a holidav morning give him credit for ! Indeed there is 230 THE BADMINTON MAGAZINE hardly anything so persistently missed through and through. His knowledge of out in most people’s conception of hawking, coursing, and hunting, and

MISS HILDA BAYLEY, IN “ THE ONLY GIRL ” AT THE APOLLO

Photograph by Bassano

Shakespeare as his knowledge of, and above all of horseflesh of every descrip­ instinct for, sport. He was a sportsman tion, was truly astonishing. It was a PLAYS AND PLAYERS 231 knowledge that was obviously not got recognition. For that reason I still from books. It is not only a question of preserve with particular pride a copy of his metaphors from horses — though the printed version of “ The Angel in these in themselves would fill a volume. the House ” which has been sent me The horse is really the only thing upon “ with gratitude for appreciation of this which he ever becomes pedantic. play ” attested upon the fly-leaf by the Directly he begins to write about horses signatures of its brilliant and fortunate he knows so much about them that he authors, Mr. Eden Phillpotts and Mr. goes into matters that only the expert B. Macdonald Hastings. The little book, can understand. He knew and described published by Messrs. French and every sort of horse from the Dauphin’s garnished with an excellent photograph “ matchless barb ” in “ Henry V.” to of Mr. H. B. Irving—“ an angel in any the perfect English horse in “ Venus ‘ House,’ ” say his dramatists—is itself and Adonis ”— quite a notable innovation. It is the first published play I know' of to have Round-hoof’d, short-jointed,^fetlocks shag and long, really amusing stage directions. We Broad breast, full eye, small head, and nostril have been used for some years of course w ide ; to long character sketches in this form, High crest, short ears, straight legs and passing strong, analyses of the state of mind in which Thin mane, thick tail, broad buttock, tender the dialogue is supposed to be spoken, hide. metaphysical essays, and so on. But Could anyone have written that, or these Phillpott-Hastings’ stage directions Biondello’s description of Petruchio’s are not only “ literary,” ample and sorrier mount, or a score of other informative, they are light-hearted and passages, who was not a lover of horses entertaining. “ What a sister ! What for their own sake ? If there are any an aunt ! But above all, what a cousin !” who still believe that Shakespeare’s is the cheery direction as to Lady Sarel’s knowledge of sport was that of the mere character. With Joan Bindloss we slip bookworm, I would commend them to Dr. into poetry. She has to be a “ girlish Madden’s fascinating “ Diary of Master shape that slips the bud, in lines of William Silence,” which, if anything, unspoiled symmetry.” Now' and again leaves one wondering how a dramatist there is an arch touch of satire. “ The so steeped in every sort of field sport scene-painter,” say our authors of Act could have had any time for indoor work III., “ should be inspired by Watteau. Let him visit the Dulwich Art Gallery at all. Dr. Madden remarks, by the way, that actual horse-racing “ occupies and see ‘ A Ball Under a Colonnade.' the unique position of a sport recognised It is in the East Room, immediately by Bacon and ignored by Shakespeare.” on your left as you enter.” Even the exhaustive property-plot is worth the But surely this is simply due to the fact that it had not become popular, thanks attention of the reader as wrell as the to King James’s favour, till after stage-manager. Realism is demanded Shakespeare’s plays were written. At in the title of each book upon the table. the time when Bacon mentions it in The number of tennis balls in the net the “ Essay on Building ” in 1625, bag “ behind the stairs ” must be Shakespeare had been dead nine years ! exactly three. One cannot help wonder­ ing w'hether a patent has yet been brought out for the machine described H u m o r i s t s a n d “ T h e A n g e l .” as a “ punt noise ” ! Altogether, a It is not often that a much-abused delightful reminder of a delightful play ; critic is in the happy position of inspiring good to read and better to see. dramatists to anything in the shape of 232 THE BADMINTON MAGAZINE

O u r P o r t r a i t . lecture bvj a still duller lecturer. She certainly could not have had any idea M i s s L a u r e t t e T a y l o r . of what it was going to be about. The That little word “ genius ” ! How very title was cryptic. But from the few actresses there are to whom one moment when Miss Laurette Taylor rose instinctively applies it, and in whose to stammer out those curious little case it is really needed to explain them ! epigrams (entirely different from the There is no vestige of doubt that Miss ones she had prepared) the whole Laurette Taylor is one of them—the programme was transfigured. The “ Peg o’ My Heart,” who came to us lecturer rolled out his platitudes to in the darkest days of the war, unknown forgetful eyes. Miss Laurette Taylor’s and practically unheralded, and has won spell had been cast. She remained the the heart of London so surely that it only memory. has doomed her to play the same part Just now and again Miss Taylor has till even a natural affection for the had some little chances on the stage, creation of her clever husband, Mr. though not many, of showing what she Hartley Manners, may well be strained. can do besides that undoubtedly delicious As a m atter of fact Miss Moya Mannering “ Peg.” Her appearance as the little has already shown us that “ Peg o’ My princess of romance (with a charming Heart ” is quite good enough, both as American accent) in Lady Townsend’s a play and as a character, to be a success play, “ The Monk and The Princess,” quite apart from Miss Laurette Taylor. and as a slum-girl in Mr. Manners’ little As for Miss Laurette Taylor nothing sketch (soon to be extended to three could obviously be farther from the acts) called “ Happiness,” have shown truth than to imagine that “ Peg ” how she can put that magic of hers into represents the limit of her abilities. As any sort of character and make it live. a matter of fact the brogue, the red wig, She does not seem to manage it by any the carpet-skating, even the very assertiveness of personality or of manner, character of Peg herself, are about as or by a cast-iron code of any sort. In far as could be from the personality of “ Happiness,” for instance, she never this quiet, keen, intensely intelligent comes to the front or asks for a single and intensely American actress—as those streak of limelight. She allows herself of us who have seen and heard her off to look like a threepenny-bit upon the the stage have reason to know. For stage, and yet she seems to fill it. myself I am not likely to forget the American playgoers tell us that she first occasion of her first public appearance attracted notice as a South-Sea Islander, in England outside the make-up of Peg. speaking gibberish. It was a poor part, She had very graciously and, as I happen but she “ made ” the play. How is it to know, very timidly, consented to act done ? There is only one answer. That as chairwoman at an extremely dull little word “ genius ” ! MAJOR RODNEY’S FISH

BY D. E. B. MCCORKELL

T he sun shone in a cloudless sky, fish in them do not run big, but they touching the crests of the tiny wavelets are plentiful. The surroundings appeal with liquid gold. to me : the people of Ulster interest me. Presently the ripple subsided as the And so on the particular day with which breeze died away, and the lake lay like this story is concerned I lay on my a burnished mirror sharply reflecting the back dreamily thinking of other fishing shape of the island that seemed to float days ; of days with blazing sun, no on its calm surface. breeze, and no fish; and of rarer Fishing being now out of the question occasions when the atmospheric condi­ I reeled in, and addressed Jimmy tions being good the trout had risen as McWalter, the boatman. though goaded by an insatiable hunger. “ W hat’s to be done, Jim m y ? ” Presently I remarked, more for the “ Well,” returned Jimmy, with a sake of making any remark than with candour tempered with optimism, “ at the idea of uttering an original one, the present time nothin’, so far as fishin’ “ Jimmy, what weight was the heaviest goes ye might as well be castin’ on the trout you ever saw killed in these county road. But we might go over lakes ?” till the shade o’ the island and wait a “ The heaviest fish ever I seen cornin’ while. There’s a few clouds away over out o’ this lake was a pound an’ a half, the sea to the west’ard an’ I daresay sir, no more an’ no less.” they’ll gather up afore night, an’ a breeze “ You say ‘ this lake ’ ? ” I queried. along with them.” “ I thought all the best fish were in this To the island we went, and there, one ?a sheltered from the strong midday sun, An’ so they are, but I mind seein’ a lay in the sweet-smelling young bracken bigger one taken out o’ Lough Giveen.” and smoked. “ Lough Giveen,” I echoed, “ why it’s Year after year has found me a visitor not much more than a big bog hole. And to these little Irish mountain lakes. The besides, if you did see a big fish caught 234 THE BADMINTON MAGAZINE there, there may be more. What weight enough o’ walkin’ he used to fish on the was it ? ” lakes. He got that pleased wi’ the fishin’ “ Three pound,” said Jimmy. that he’d as love be out in the boat as “ What ! ” I said, in amazement. trampin’ the hills, an’ I’ll say for him “ Three pounds ? ” he was right an’ handy wi’ his rod. “ Three pounds,” repeated Jimmy, “A pleasanter spoken nor a nicer stolidly. gentleman ye wouldn’t get from this to For a time I kept silence. Then I Cork. De’il the like o’ him ever I seen turned to the brazen James. “ Jimmy,” before or since.” I said, “ it is true that ‘ the truth is not “ Jimmy,” I interrupted. “Jimmy ! ” in us ’; but you certainly seem to be “ Och well I know what ye’re at, sir ; overdoing the business.” but ye know as well as me that present “ Well,” said Jimmy, following the company doesn’t count.” substance of my remark if not the letter, “ Now you’re making it worse.” “ all I can say is this—I seen a brown “ I am not. I’m only sayin’ what’s trout o’ three pound weight taken o’ the truth.” Lough Giveen. An’ that I’ll swear,” he I refrained from a further analysis of added with some heat. Jimmy’s ambiguities, and urged him to “ In that case,” said I, “ why have proceed with his story, whereupon he you and I never tried Lough Giveen ? continued : There may be other big fish in it. I “ The Major always liked me to row think you might have put me in the way him ; but days I would be out he would of it, Jimmy, I do indeed.” be fowlin’ or playin’ golf wi’ a Mr. Powell “ If I thought,” returned he, “ there that used to stay in Cassidy’s Hotel. was a chance for you to get better fishin’ A cranky crathur he was, wi’ a long nose there than here, it’s there we would ha’ an’ a short temper, an’ a great opinion gone. But I know good an’ well there’s o’ himself as a fisher. He had a book o’ no more fish in it like the one I’m speakin’ flies the like ye never seen. I declare ab o u t.” to heavens there wasn’t a colour ye could “ But,” I argued, “ if there was one mention that was na in it, an’ a whole there may possibly be more. You cannot lot you could na mention, for the like be certain that there are not.” o’ them’s not to be found. “ I can th a t.” “ Sometimes he’d be changin’ his flies “ How can you ? ” every five minutes, an’ it’s my belief his “ It would take a while to tell ye, sir, cast spent far more time in the boat nor how I know ; but all the same I could on the water. tell ye.” “ One day him an’ me was out on this At this point I scented one of Jimmy’s lake an’ although it seemed a fair fishin’ stories ; stories which frequently proved day we were makin’ nothin’ of it. He entertaining. Since fishing was for the tried a powrer of flies an’ at the rear put present hopeless, I decided to hear it, on a common Hare’s Ear on the tail o’ and said so. his cast. For a while Jimmy sat looking into “ We were driftin’ along the edge o’ space as though refreshing his memory, the rushes there at the upper end o’ the then he began : lake an’ the wind being from the west “ It’s five year ago come harvest that Mr. Powell was castin’ in. Just at the the big fish was caught ; I mind it as end o’ the drift a fish rose till his tail fly clear as if it was yesterday. wi’ a rush like a big dog. ‘ I knew,’ says "At that time Major Rodney used to he, ‘ the Hare’s Ear would be right come here every year for the grouse to-day.’ shootin’ in August ; an’ when he’d had “ It was on the tip o’ me tongue to MAJOR RODNEY’S FISH 235

ask him why he waited so long before “a fter a bit, though, he looked over puttin’ it on ; but I kep’ quiet an’ did at me an’ says he, ‘ Jimmy,’ says he, me best to stop him gettin’ fanked up ‘ I’d give a good deal to catch a bigger in the weed. At last wi’ my help and trout in these lakes nor the one Mr. the blessin’ o’ Providence we got the Powell got.’ fish in the boat. A nice one it was too, Major,’ I says to him, ‘ if it lay an’ weighed as I told ye just a poun’ an’ in my power to put that right you know, a half. sir, it would be done.’ An’ I meant it “ We fished on a while an’ got a few from my heart. more fish, an’ then made for home. “ That night after I went home I went “ I carried the basket up to the hotel up above the house an’ lay a while in for Mr. Powell an’ when biddin’ him the heather thinkin’. I could see the good night I says till him, ‘ That’s a sea beyond the hotel, an’ the mouth o’ pretty fish, sir, an’ I hope we”ll be lucky the Claggan River. An’ over the ridge enough to get the match to him.' there I could see Lough Giveen black “ ‘ Luck,’ says he, ‘ luck. I suppose an’ deep, an’ just beyon’t it Lough Gut. you would call it luck but I fancy, me “ Suddenly a notion come into me man, there’s more in skill nor in luck.’ head, an’ I began to laugh to mesel. “ He never as much as said, ‘ Have ye ‘ I have it,’ thinks I, * I have it.’ ’’ a mouth on ye,’ or even a cheery word ; “ Eureka,” I murmured absently, just walked right in an’ shut the glass “ Eureka.” door after him. “ I’m what, sir ? ” said Jimmy. “ I’m “ Man, I was fair ragin’ ; an’ thinks a cur, is it ? ” I to meself, ‘ Luck or no luck, me boy, “ No, no,” I hastened to explain. skill or no skill, there’s one thing ye “ Dear no. But you reminded me of a haven’t about ye, an’ that’s nice manners, gentleman called Archimedes, a great ye hungry waster.’ man for the water.” “ Well, the next day Major Rodney “ I don’t mind ever hearin’ tell o’ come out fishin’. O’ course he’d seen the him,” said Jimmy. “ He never fished trout an’ heard Mr. Powell bum m in’ here, did he, sir ? ” about the catchin’ o’ it. An’, man, he “ No,” I replied, “ I believe not. was fair jumpin’ to catch a better one. However, go on with the story. I’m * For,’ says he, ‘ Jimmy, Mr. Powell’s sorry I interrupted you.” a bit inclined to think nobody but him­ “ Next day, then, when the Major an’ self can fish.’ me was havin’ a try on Lough Gut, I That’s where you’re about right, says to him, ‘ Major, I believe in me soul Major,’ says I. ‘An’ I’m d d but I know how ye can catch a fish to beat I’d rather row yerself for a week than Mr. Powell’s.’ him for an hour.’ “ ‘ What ? ’ says he, all excited. ‘ It “ ‘ That’s very kind o’ you, Jimmy,’ must be in these lakes, ye know, Jimmy, says the Major, ‘ but I daresay Mr. if I got it any other place Mr. Powell Powell’s a very nice gentleman if you would say he could do as well at the knew him better.’ same place.’ “ ‘ I dare say he is,’ says I, ‘ but I “ ‘ It’s in Lough Giveen,' I told him, dare swear he isn’t, an’ anyhow, I don’t ‘ but you’ll have to use a worm I doubt want to know him a hair better nor what instead o’ the fly.’ I do.’ “ He looked all broke. ‘ Och, Jimmy, “At that the Major said no more for a ye know Mr. Powell says the w orm ’s no while. For being a real gentleman he use.’ didn’t care to say too much about Mr. “ ‘ I know that as well as yourself, Powell to the likes o’ me. Major. But I have a plan for bestin’ him, 236 THE BADMINTON MAGAZINE but it’ll take your help and the help o’ chances. While he would fish his own a worm. When you go home the night rod, he would leave the two others wi’ start you an argiment about fishin’, it’ll baits on them, along the bank a piece, not take much to start it, I know. wi’ the reel up so that it would pay out “ Mr. Powell he’ll say the worm’s a an’ we’d hear the rasp o’ it if a fish took rot ; an’ you’ll let on that anyway it the worm. kills the biggest fish. Next thing he’ll “At first he was all agin’ this plan, but get all excited an’ waggle his face about I just told him that there was nothin’ the way he does, for all the world like agin’ it in the written rules, an’ that it a rabbit, an’ tell ye you’re wrong. was fair foolishness to spoil his chances “ Then when ye have him leppin’ for a bit o’ cod o’ that kind. mad ye’ll up an’ say that at any rate you “ I showed him where to put out his would kill a bigger fish in the lakes wi’ rods—we fished all from the bank there a worm nor ever he did with a fly; an’, bein’ no boat, an’ the water bein’ deep Major, if you handle him, I ’ll see there’s right up till the edge. no mistake about the fish. I know “ The lake is very wee though deep bravely that wi’ a worm gran’ trout enough. can be took out o’ the wee lake they call “ The Major fished from the middle o’ Lough Giveen over the hill there. It the bank an’ had one o’ the other rods takes time but it can be done. The only at every end o’ the lake. time though it’s any use is just afore “ We stayed a brave while an’ never dark, when the light’s goin’. Like it got as much as a nibble. The Major was would fit for flight shootin’. for goin’ home an’, indeed, I had a job “ Well, sir, the Major took on the job, to keep him on. It got that dark he an’ as I expected he had no bother wi’ allowed it was no use, an’ he sent me Mr. Powell. ‘ Jimmy,’ says he to me to bring up the rod from the lower end the next day, ‘ I have it fixed up ; and,’ an’ he went for the other. says he, ‘ I’m putting great trust in you, “All of a sudden the reel on the one for in the heat o’ the thing,’ says he, ‘ we next me began to run out like vengeance. fixed a bet o’ ten pounds on it, and by “ ‘ Don’t touch it ! ’ shouts the Major, George, Jim m y, if we pull it off we’ll an’ he come tearin’ along the bank like share the winnings. Cassidy at the a madman. ‘ Don’t touch it,’ he shouts, hotel holds the stakes an’ he has the ‘ I must do the whole job meself.’ conditions written out.’ “ Me heart was in me mouth expectin’ “ ‘ What are they ? ’ I says. every minute that he would take an “ ‘Mr. Powell,’ says the Major, ‘wrote empty step an’ go on his mouth an' nose them out an’ signed them an’ I have a in a hole. note o’ them here.’ “ ‘ For the love of Heaven, Major,’ “ ‘ I agree to pay Major Rodney £10 I called to him, ‘ take your time or you’ll if he kills a fish over 11-lbs. on a worm miss your foot an’ destroy yoursel’. Well, in any lake within five miles of Cassidy’s by good luck he got safe to the rod, an’ Hotel, during the next fortnight.’ as soon as he lifted it he says, ‘ Man, “A couple of days after this the Major Jimmy, it’s a bully fish, I hope it’s not and me went up to Lough Giveen about a pike or a big eel.’ an hour afore dark. I brought two old “ To make a long story short he got rods wi’ me wi’ good stiff tops an’ big the landin’ net under it an’ brought out winches on them. ‘ What’s the rods for, a big brown trout wi’ a yellow belly on it Jimmy ? ’ says the Major. I explained like gold. till him that though I hoped to get a “ It weighed as I told ye, three pound big fish one evenin’ soon, they were weight dead.” scarce enough an’ we could take no Jimmy paused and looked reflective. MAJOR RODNEY’S FISH 237

Then his face brightened as he remarked went up, an’ luck an’ the dark thegither with deep feeling : helped me to get it well fixed on the “ Man, that was the quare night in hook when the Major was at the other Cassidy’s Hotel.” end the lake. It played a bit sluggish “ I can believe it,” said I. “ But, I doubt. But it took the ten pound Jimmy, you rogue ; how was it done ? ” out o’ Mr. Powell all right.” “ Och now,” he replied. “ Jimmy,” I said, “ you are certainly “ But, Jimmy, I know you rigged it.” an inventive genius.” “ Well, if I did. W asn’t I right ? ” The compliment was received in doubt­ “ Perhaps,” I compromised, “ you ful silence. Then I put a question : were not very wrong. But tell me how “ Did Major Rodney suspect nothing ? ” you fixed it ? ” “ Suspect, is it ? Sure, by eleven Jimmy grinned thoughtfully and then o’clock everybody knew the whole story ; explained. but by that time nobody cared how the “ First of all, I sunk a big tub o’ fish was got, so long as it was got within wather in the heather, wi’ a bit o’ nettin’ the rules. The Major was not the man wire over it. I took the tub up on to keep the money he won from a bet Saturday night in the dunkey cart, the in a money box. An’ I ’ll tell ye no lie road runnin’ close by Lough Giveen. my five pounds was easy melted. Then I got me cousin Johnnie Hanlon Judgin’ from the noise come out to the that works at the fishin’ nets at the public bar there was fun inside in mouth o’ the Claggan River to git me Cassidy’s that night. one o’ them big brown trouts that’s “ Even Mr. Powell had to put a good often in the nets wi’ the salmon trouts face on it. I heard him shoutin’ out o’ an’ salmon. him quite cheery like : “ I took it up too in the dunkey cart That man’s a scoundrel, sir, a in a tub o’ water all covered over wi’ d d scoundrel.’ bags, an’ put it in the tub in the heather “ He meant me. But he sounded in a wee while afore me an’ the Major quare good heart.” BOTHAL CASTLE, NORTHUMBERLAND From an old print

SPORT IN THE COUNTIES No. 21—NORTHUMBERLAND

BY WALTER BAXENDALE

T ourists who base their knowledge of can tell of fine baskets of both trout the northern shire on what is seen in and salmon ; and Mr. Bradley remarks passing through the Newcastle district that though the world hears much of by train would be surprised were they Tweed salmon, it hears little of that to venture into the heart of what may famous river’s trout. They are noble but be called the Cheviot district, for there capricious fellows, not indeed monsters, is scenery in the neighbourhood of but fairly plentiful and strenuous Rothbury, Wooler, and Otterburn which pounders, fighting as becomes the fish is almost unrivalled. Mr. A. G. Bradley, of such a river. No water in the past, in Clear Waters, published only this however, has been so closely identified year, pays a very fine tribute to the with Northumbrian angling lore as the county as a fishing centre ; and I have Coquet. No river has inspired such the opinion of an equally well-known praise in both prose and verse from fisherman in Mr. H. T. Sheringham in Northumbrian pens. Nor is there any support of the statement that North­ stream in the county more calculated to umberland is undoubtedly the best do so. “ Salmon and sea-trout are,” fishing county in the whole of England. writes Mr. Bradley, “ more plentiful Both the good sportsmen named have than of old, and to this fact some had excellent days in the county. Each attribute the notorious decline over SPORT IN THE COUNTIES : No. 21—NORTHUMBERLAND 239

much of it of a once great trout river. source.” Roxby wrote of his beloved If this indeed be so, it is a pity. The river as follows : few days on which sea fish, as they call “ I’ll sing of the Coquet, the dearest of themes, them in Northumberland, afford sport The haunt of the fisher, the first of a’ streams; There’s nane like the Coquet in a’ the King’s are a poor exchange for the months in land which trout give pleasure to a greater From the white cliffs of Dover to North number, and on the whole demand more Britain’s strand.” skill in the catching. The once fine water The best coarse fishing in the county from Rothbury down is now full, I am is within easy reach of Newcastle, being told, of fingerlings and samlets, and between Ryton and Prudhoe-on-Tyne. respectable fish are hard to get at. The Both villages are close to the river, and

FISHING ON THE COQUET

Photograph by W. A. Rouch

Coquet has been the treasured haunt are seven and ten-and-a-half miles of many famous north - countrymen. respectively by rail from the big and Bewick, the great wood-engraver, for busy Tyneside town. At Corbridge, one, was a keen fisherman, and its about twenty miles from Newcastle, and constant habitue ; so were Roxby, quite close to Hexham, the dace fishing Joseph Crawhall, Henderson, Doubleday, is very good; while farther north and others. Its streams and pools are Wooler must be considered as the best beautiful, and its waters carry to the centre for pike and perch fishing. Wooler sea the fine colour of their Cheviot Water joins the Till a short distance

J n o . c c x l i i i . v o l . x l i i i .— October, 1915. 240 THE BADMINTON MAGAZINE below the town, the Glen coming in on the generosity of the Duke of North­ the left bank a couple of miles farther umberland a great portion of it is in on. Ever since a dam on the Glen gave the hands of the Northumbrian Anglers’ way, grayling have been distributed Federation, the Clerk to which (Mr. John throughout its entire length. At Chatton, A. Williamson, Prudential Buildings, five miles from Wooler, a long stretch of Newcastle-on-Tyne) issues season tickets water may be fished by visitors to the at the very moderate rate of 5s. each. In Percy Arms Hotel; and mention must fact, the angling visitor to Northumber­ also be made of the Wansbeck, a charm­ land can get sport in almost any centre ing stream which flows through some of by asking for it ; and it may not be the fairest scenery in the county. At considered out of place to remark that Mitford it is joined by the Font, also the North-Eastern Railway Company an excellent angling stream, which is issues excellent handbooks giving the

NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE, FROM NEW CHATHAM, GATESHEAD

From an old print preserved, though the riparian owners fullest details of both fresh and sea frequently grant a day’s fishing if angling in the picturesque country approached in the right way. Near through which the line runs. Mitford begin the preserves of the The coast district served by this Wansbeck Angling Association, which important railway system of use to the •extend for eight miles to the weir head amateur sea-fisherman is one-third in at Bothal. The water has been well Northumberland and two-thirds in York­ stocked during recent seasons with year­ shire. The intervening stretch of Durham ling trout. Natural and artificial fly, as coast is of little importance, though some well as minnow and worm, are allowed, whiting fishing may be had off places like but the angler must not fish with worm in Roker, Seaham Harbour, and Seaton thick water. There is first-rate fishing Carew. Between the Tweed and Tyne for trout in the North Tyne, and through there is a variety of coast—sandy beaches, SPORT IN THE COUNTIES : No. 21—NORTHUMBERLAND 241 rocky cliffs, river estuaries great and fishing from the piers. Boat-fishing is small, and islands in abundance. Islands excellent in good years all through the generally mean fishing grounds, and summer holidays, and haddock, codling, around Holy Island, the Fames, and and whiting are caught in quantities. Coquet Island there is fishing in Mackerel also is frequently taken out. abundance. Off Berwick (which can Herring bait is used in all boat-fishing. really be included in Northumberland Neither Berwick nor Spittal can be for the purposes of sport), Seahouses, regarded as a watering-place in the Alnmouth, and Amble, it is boat-fishing ordinary sense of the word. The long­ or nothing at all; but around the broad shore boatman is wanting, and is

MEET OF THE PERCY HUNT AT CALLALY CASTLE, THE HOME OF MR. ALEC BROWNE

Photograph by Elliott & Fry bay between St. Mary’s Island and certainly not missed. It may be added Cullercoats there are almost continuous that those who take parties fishing know reefs of rocks, from which it is possible their work. The charge, with man and to fish at any stage of the tide, merely bait, is 1/6 per hour. changing one’s position as the rising or The most typical Northumberland falling waters make it necessary to do fishing village is Seahouses—undoubtedly so. Now and again the most insignificant the really convenient headquarters for looking harbour affords sport to those fishing the Fames. It possesses a content with moderate-sized fish. As harbour, and is reached by a single line regards Berwick, there is little or no from Chathill on the main line, trains

J- 242 THE BADMINTON MAGAZINE running in connection with the principal from the mouth of the Tyne to the expresses either way. Alnmouth is a prominent lighthouse on St. Mary’s very charming, quiet little spot, now Island is much bolder in character than more in favour with golfers than with most of what has gone before. The fishermen, especially since the completion foreshore is scored with reefs of rocks, of the 18-hole golf course. My own and this feature means grand opportu­ recollection of Alnmouth is th at Mr. nities of rock-fishing with float tackle. Nathaniel Dunn, one of the oldest public With a little local knowledge the angler coursers in England, has his home there. may fish his way from low-water mark This, however, is anticipating what must to the foot of the cliffs, and even at the be said later on about Northumberland highest spring tides from the top, on the coursing and its coursing men. Most of level of the promontory at Cullercoats. the anglers who go to Alnmouth are The method in use may be very briefly

WARKWORTH CASTLE, NORTHUMBERLAND

From an old print after salmon and sea-trout in the Ain described. A rod of twelve or fourteen and Coquet, but there is good fishing in feet, having a moderately whippy top, the bay for small haddock, whiting, a free-running reel, with optional check mackerel, and plaice. The sea is often and carrying fifty yards of fine line, a so calm here that visitors go out without substantial cork float, and a fine cast a man, and the grounds are easily found, weighted with a split bullet and bearing one of the best being got by anchoring a couple of small hooks, complete the when the car is on the Castle and Church outfit. It may be thought that I have Hill on Spylaw. These landmarks are devoted a little too much space to unmistakable. Whitley Bay and Culler­ Northumbrian fishing, but all of it is so coats may be taken together with good that it is certainly worth extended Tynemouth as forming a single fishing notice, and I hope that what has been district. The fine sweep of the foreshore written may prove of value to anyone SPORT IN THE COUNTIES No. 21—NORTHUMBERLAND 243 intending to explore one of the most is practically all grass, the woodland beautiful of English counties. country being in the south. Though There is plenty of hunting in there is wire in some parts, it is well- Northumberland, eight packs providing defined, and there is perfect under­ sport in one or another part of the standing between Mr. Straker and the county. Though the Tynedale, with farmers. The Master has a nominal Mr. John C. Straker as the Master, has guarantee of £1,600 a year, and a 10s. cap a big following, the Percy, of which is taken from all excepting subscribers Captain R. Milvain has control, takes to a recognised pack of hounds. It is an precedence, for the hounds belong to the old hunt, and from the end of the Duke of Northumberland, and for years eighteenth century it formed part of the it has been looked on as a family pack. old Northumberland territory under Sir Till about 1850 Lord Wemyss hunted Whvte Ridley’s Mastership. Afterwards

HOWICK HALL

From an old print all North Northumberland. He then the Lambton pack was bought, and the lent what is now the Percy country to country reconstituted as the Northumber­ Mr. W. Selby, who hunted it till 1858. land and North Durham. There is a It was afterwards divided, Mr. Burdon considerable amount of plough in part Sanderson taking part ; but in 1905 he of the North Northumberland territory, gave up his portion, and it has since but the moors in the south-east harbour been hunted as at present. The whole a good many foxes ; as regards the of the country lies in the county, and it Coquetdale the country is for the most extends some twenty-three miles north part moorland and rough pasture. A to south and twenty miles east to west. portion of the Border country is in About half is pasture, and there is a Northumberland, and from Bellingham small percentage of moorland, plough, meets of the North Tyne can also be and woodland. The Tynedale has a reached. The old-established Morpeth bigger country, and north of the Tvne and the Braes of Derwent complete 244 THE BADMINTON MAGAZINE the list of foxhounds in Northumber­ Fullerton, King Death, Sea Cove (once land. sold for the bagatelle of three sovereigns), Two packs of beagles, the Newcastle Snowflight, Bit-o’-Fashion, Miss Glen- and District and the North Tyne, dyne and Pistol II. The romance of provide first-rate sport for hare-hunters, Fullerton was well told in the Badminton and most of the best meets of the only a few months since by my friend Northern Counties Otter Hounds are in “ Castor,” and therefore I do not intend the county, the rivers Tweed, Till, Glen, to say anything further about that truly Ain, Coquet, Wansbeck, and the North great greyhound. There was, however, and South Tyne being visited almost one thing in connection with the record every season. In connection with hunt­ of Mr. Edward Dent which was not ing, reference may be made to a mentioned in “ Castor’s ” very interest­ distinctive breed of fox-terrier kept in ing article, and that was the silver salver the Straker family for nearly fifty years. presented to the trainer of Fullerton by Mr. J. H. Straker, of Corbridge-on-Tyne, the late Colonel North as a souvenir of tells me that, with his brothers, the a connection which could not have been Masters of the Tynedale and Zetland, more successful. The salver contains he has not been without a terrier of this the names of about tw enty of the best strain for the time mentioned. Mr. F. P. greyhounds with which Mr. Dent was Barnett has some of the same terriers, associated ; and when I say that among all of which are descended in direct that number were such celebrities as female line from a bitch given to him Road-to-Ruin, Gallant Foe, Princess and his brothers about 1875 by Cornish, Dagmar, Peep-o’-Day, Nacton, Fullerton, the Tynedale huntsman, who could Lights-of-London, Pretty Nell, Bit-o’- trace the strain for several generations Fashion, Gay City, and Miss Glendyne, before that period. For a long time it will be understood how the handsome their size and aptitude for work were memento is treasured. Mr. Dent, who the only things considered; but now is still alive and lives at Short Flatt, an the type is fairly even, and the breed can upland farm on the borders of the be summed up as a short-legged terrier Tynedale and Morpeth countries, won with no exaggerated points, legs not six Waterloo Cups in eight years, also long and yet not quite short, head strong the Kempton £1,000 Stake, £1,200 at but not narrow or heavy, coat of the Hay dock Park, and the Gosforth Gold texture of pin-wire, and weighing from Cup. Quite by accident, I lately dropped twelve to sixteen pounds. These terriers across the programme of one of the are especially good for badger digging. Gosforth Park seasons. It was issued Nearly all the best work in Northumber­ early in the autumn of 1882, and contains land being in sand, it takes a good dog particulars of the five meetings which to stop the badger “ happing ” himself made up the season, finishing the week up, and a still better one to unhap him. before the Lincolnshire Handicap and “ Happing up,” I may explain, is a local Grand National. It will be scarcely expression meaning that the badger has credited that even then the Gosforth dug himself in and stopped the pipe. Derby, Oaks, and St. Leger, each for Mr. Barnett has an old dog who has 150 puppies, were full. The Gosforth never been beaten at unhapping, but he Gold Cup for 128 all-aged greyhounds, is too hard when he gets up to his at 10 guineas each, the November stake badger ; he just tries to kill, and the and the October stake, each for 64 dogs, older he gets the harder he tries. were also full. There are no such cards Northumberland is a great doggy nowadays, more’s the pity ; but my county, and no other can claim to have friend Mr. Chas. Richardson, one of the produced such Waterloo Cup winners as few men living who can claim to SPORT IN THE COUNTIES : No. 21—NORTHUMBERLAND 245 have seen coursing at Bothal, when generous are the chief landowners of the Captain Ellis’s meeting was at the height county that there is rarely a week in the of its fame, tells me that the entry in season without public courses being the produce stakes in 1870 (when Cottage provided with sport of the very best Girl and Charming Belle divided) reached and highest quality. Northumberland 345. This enormous number of sub­ was the late Mr. Hedley’s county, and scribers caused a division of dogs and some idea of his services as a judge may bitches, with the result that in 1871 the be gleaned from the fact that from 1872 former numbered 209 and the latter 242. to his retirement twenty-five years later The big entries were found to be quite he judged 70,855 courses. These figures unworkable, and consequently next year can be relied on, for the veteran carefully the stake was limited to members only. noted the number he had judged every Even then 259 names were down. The day and then entered the total in a diary

SHORT FLATT, BELSAY. MR. EDWARD DENT TRAINED SIX WATERLOO CUP WINNERS IN EIGHT YEARS; FROM THIS HOUSE Bothal ground was considered to be as which he kept. The late Mr. T. Snowdon good as any there is in England ; but was another sportsman closely associated there are other coursing arenas in with Northumberland coursing. He was Northumberland to be reckoned with, born at Cambo in 1837, and died in his those of Flotterton in Coquetdale, seventy-fourth year. A feat of which Cramlington, and Eslington in the he was always proud was that of filling northern part of the county being the card for the Rainton meeting with particularly good. a record entry of 144 greyhounds. He Though the N orth of England Club is was secretary of the North of England not what it was, coursing is kept alive Club for forty years, and during that in the county by the enthusiasm of time allotted more than 27,000 nomina­ its veteran followers—Captain Ellis, tions and paid £100,375 in stake money. Mr. Nathaniel Dunn, Messrs. Thompson, Before leaving Northumberland as a Messrs. Marshall, Messrs. Noble, and coursing county there is one thing in others,who maintain large kennels. So connection with Mr. Dent which really 246 THE BADMINTON MAGAZINE ought to be mentioned. Speaking of entry then coming on. I do not know the wonderful success enjoyed by Messrs. whether this system is adopted now, but Fawcett and himself—for they practically it has a great deal to recommend it, for dominated the coursing world for close change of air and quarters—provided on twenty years—he once told me that that the quarters are of the right sort— in ordinary conditions no breeder could must be beneficial to dogs who have hope to continue such success indefinitely. been in rigid training during an arduous Apart from the great strain entailed on season. the breeder and trainer, the artificial It is difficult to get away from the conditions in which the dogs lived—the dogs in writing of Northumberland, for fouling of the kennels, and other things— was it not in the countv that the tended in time to lessen their vitality, Bedlington terrier was first heard of ?

THE HOWDEN DENE WORKING TERRIERS stamina, and procreative powers. He As a fact, it was, I think, in the record claims to have been the first to point of the life of James Allan, the famous that fact out, and so certain was he that Northumbrian piper, that the breed is one or two of the larger breeders have first mentioned. It was then known as taken his advice, and now regularly the Rodberry or Rothbury terrier, the move their kennels from one part of the name of the Bedlington being given to country to another. In fact, I remember it by Joseph Ainsley in 1825. He bred that many years since most of the big Young Piper, a direct descendant from breeders in Northumberland were in the Piper Allan’s favourites Peachem and habit of sending their old dogs to friends Pincher. Old Allan had such confidence for the purpose of “ walking ” during in Peachem that if once his terrier gave the summer. This, of course, gave their mouth on the trail of an otter he declared trainers a much better chance of looking that he could sell the otter’s skin, after and paying attention to the young meaning of course that he had the SPORT IN THE COUNTIES : No. 21—NORTHUMBERLAND 247 utmost confidence in Peachem being able successful breeder and exhibitor of to find his game. Allan was famous Bedlington terriers. He also had more throughout the whole of the Border than a passing acquaintance with the counties as an otter hunter; when Border terrier ; but somehow or other much reduced in circumstances he was that very game product of the North offered 50 guineas for Peachem ; it need Tyne country has never become popular hardly be said that the offer was refused. beyond the county of its birth, and it The late Colonel Cowen did much to is only at Hexham, at the Tynedale popularise the Bedlington terrier, and show, on the first Monday in August many present-day followers of north every year, that a really typical collection country shows will remember — it of Border terriers can be seen. It must

MR. W. E. ALCOCK’S BEDLINGTON TERRIER-CHAMPION HUMBLEDON BLUE BOY From a sketch by R. H. Moore happened at Darlington, I believe— not be forgotten that it was at Newcastle- that once while the Colonel was judging on-Tyne, in June, 1859, that the first the breed a terrier turned and fastened properly organised dog show was held. himself to that gentleman’s boot toe. Only pointers and setters were included The Colonel swung that Bedlington round in it ; but there were 59 entries, the and round before the dog could be forced prizes being valuable guns from the to release the hold he had. That proved manufactory of Mr. Pape. The best the pluck of the breed beyond a setter was owned by Mr. W. Jobling of doubt. Morpeth, and Brailsford, the then Lord Mr. W. E. Alcock, a Tynesider who now Derby’s head-keeper at Knowsley, won lives in the south, was another very the gun for the best pointer.

(To be concluded). TRANAMOE BY THE HON. ALEXIS ROCHE

[The opening chapters of Tranamoe began with the introduction of the four children of James Cosgrove, owner of the estate, the narrator being his youngest son, Denis. “ Aunt Kate ” is the ruler of the establishment, and we are introduced to Davy, the Huntsman, and his son known as “ Tom the Duck.” A curious character arrives in the neighbourhood, Nicholas Carmody, who falls over the cliff and breaks his leg ; he is rescued and taken to Tranamoe. At his cottage he keeps a curious collection of animals. James Cosgrove disappears, and it is doubtful whether he has or has not been drowned. His old father-in-law comes to put his affairs in order. He finds the estate mortgaged beyond its value, but has delighted Davy by promising to keep the hounds going at his expense until Claude, the eldest son, comes of age. He returns to Liverpool to wind up his own business and announces his intention of returning to Tranamoe to end his days there. Nicholas Carmody has given an exhibition of hawking at which Aunt Kate was an interested spectator. Jack, Aunt Kate’s favourite nephew, has been sent to a public school by his grandfather, much against her advice. On his return home for the Christmas holidays a meet of the hounds was arranged at Condonstown, the seat of Sir Thomas Condon, a young cavalry officer. The end of the day saw Jack’s favourite hunter dead, his master at Condonstown with a broken collarbone, and Sir Thomas’s horse lamed and stabled at Tranamoe. Aunt Kate paid constant visits to Condonstown to see her favourite Jack who was also suffering from concussion, and Sir Thomas went daily to Tranamoe to bandage his lame horse under Nell’s direction. Nell, twin to Jack, was a thorough sportswoman and almost equal to a veterinary surgeon. Mr. Dobson, the grandfather, dies. By his will it was found that he had disposed of his interest in the Liverpool business to Claude in exchange for the title deeds of Tranamoe. This estate he left unreservedly to Aunt Kate. Claude resented this, thinking Tranamoe would have been left to him, and in spite threatens to poison the hounds which he contends are his property. He sends for poison, but in the meantime Davy the Huntsman produces a document signed by James Cosgrove selling the hounds to him for the sum of one hundred pounds, stipulating that if any member of the Cosgrove family wishes to take them over he can do so on repayment of the sum advanced with interest to date. Before the poison arrives and Claude has an opportunity of producing the money, Aunt Kate announces that she has bought the hounds from Davy. Claude leaves Tranamoe, never to return.]

Chapter XIII. “ If the boy acts as Master even for Aunt K ate was a proud woman on the one day, it will give him the right to day on which Jack first donned the put M.F.H, after his name, no matter velvet hunting cap, th at badge of office what country he may be in. Lieutenant which none but the Master of Hounds Cosgrove, M.F.H., will surely be treated and his servants may wear. His regiment with more respect than an ordinary was stationed at Aldershot, and was subaltern even in a place where poking under orders for foreign service, but he a lance into a pig is considered sport.” had managed to get a few days’ leave “ Pigs must be chape an plintiful in at the urgent request of his aunt, who that place, wherever it is,” said Davy, said : to whom this speech was addressed, “ or TRANAMOE 249 the people would never be wastin’ their hunters were divided into two distinct pork that way. Sure the whole woruld classes :—Those kept for sale and those knows that if you’d get the blood hated whose blemishes condemned them to the in a pig before you’d kill her, the mate unhappy role of general utility quads would be like a physic to them that who are expected to earn their keep on would use it.” the farm during the summer and carry “ The first Tuesday in November, at their masters in the first flight during the Garryduff Cross,” had been advertised winter. The former were now shut up as the opening meet of the Tranamoe in dark stables being fattened on bran hounds ever since the pack had been mashes in readiness for the great established. Innovations are not looked Munster Horse Fair which was about upon with favour in this most con­ due, while the latter were still suffering servative of sports, so it was only with from harness galls which not even Peter difficulty that Davy had been persuaded Dempsey’s far-famed cosmetic of soot to allow the substitution of “ Tranamoe and butter could hide. Father Clancy Gate on October the first ” for the was there on his grey which had only ancient fixture. However, he at last that morning been caught up off a clover realised that tide and troopships wait field where he had evidently overeaten for no man, and that Jack’s regiment himself. was to sail on the tenth. Under these “ If the church can’t get paid her circumstances and on the distinct under­ lawful dues,” said the priest, “ she must standing that it should never happen help herself. I felt I was only saving again, and that Garryduff Cross should Jerry Murphy from the fate of Ananias have its usual meet on the original date, when I put me horse into his clover he at last gave way, but was a prophet unknown to him.” of evil from the very first. Dr. Trail’s mare looked fit to run for “ No person could tell what them her life. “ And no wonder she would,” divils of puppies might hunt, an’ the quacked Tom-the-Duck, “ sure the cratures only after the won days cubbin’ harness do be on her sometimes for two this sason,” said he. “ Tell Mr. Carmody days an’ nights together. ’Tis life she do to keep the monkey and the rest of his be ginerally runnin’ for, an’ from all bastes closed in. I hope to God there accounts herself an’ her master loses it isn’t disgrace before us, but ’tis fore­ oftener than they wins it.” showing to me that there’ll be trouble. Sir Thomas was the only member of ’Twas later in the sason when they the Condonstown party who appeared on pulled the tail out of her ladyship’s horseback, but two of his brother paycock at Condonstown, an’ the dear officers shared the open carriage in which knows there was talk enough about that. her ladyship, heavily veiled and well But God is good after all,” continued muffled up in furs, for once braved the he, more hopefully. " Maybe, if Peter perils of fresh air. Dempsey was to bring me sixpinnorth The scarcity of riders was more than of whipcord whin he goes to the post, it compensated for by the number and might be a help towards civilising ’em.” variety of the vehicles which blocked It was but a poor show of horsemen the carriage drive while their passengers that assembled on the gravel sweep in fared sumptuously on beef and whisky front of Tranamoe hall door on that in the house, at the door of which old bright October morning. Few of the William stood, clasping a square bottle, habitual supporters of the hunt could be ready to administer a stirrup cup of expected to have their horses in a fit ginger cordial to each one as he left. state for inspection a month before the Gigs, sidecars, and jingles, made by far usual opening day, in a country where the greater part of the crowd, above 250 THE BADMINTON MAGAZINE which Lady Condon’s barouche towered I can’t find the fastening of her second like a yellow battleship amongst a fleet veil. Whatever shall we do ? ” of bum boats. “ Don’t be a fool,” snapped her sister. “ ’Tis more like a wedding than a fox­ “ I can manage perfectly. Try and take hunt,” said Father Clancy. a little sip through your veil, dear Lady “ Maybe ’tis only the rehearsal of one,” Condon. There, what did I tell you ? replied the doctor, as he winked slyly in It’s as simple as possible. I’ve frequently the direction of Sir Thomas, who was done it myself. Miss Cosgrove’s cordial lifting Nell into the saddle—a totally is renowned for its revivifying qualities. unnecessary piece of politeness, as both I’m sure you are feeling better already, priest and doctor very well knew, for dear.” that young lady prided herself on being Her ladyship, having managed to able to spring on to her horse unassisted. imbibe quite a large dose of the elixir Now, whether part of the sixpennorth without removing the lace, which I think of whipcord had been expended in the was the mainstay of the purple ringlets, civilising of the puppies before their sat up and faintly asked for “ just appearance in public I do not know, but another spoonful.” at all events the behaviour of the pack As poteen, several degrees above proof, was beyond reproach while they stood at was the foundation of the cordial, it was the meet, with the single exception of hardly to be wondered at that the extra Ravager, who left the mark of his toe­ spoonful proved too much for a lady who nails on the yellow paint of the barouche, seldom drank anything stronger than in his attempt to climb into that stately barley water. vehicle, being evidently under the im­ “ I feel so confused,” said she, “ and pression that her ladyship’s foxskin rug my nerves are in such a shattered was his legitimate prey. Although Tom- condition that I know I could never the-Duck succeeded in whipping him off stand the having of those dreadful dogs. before he had secured more than a Let the gentlemen take the carriage, I meagre mouthful of fur, Lady Condon shall stav here and rest on the sofa, if was so upset by the incident that it took dear Miss Shortt will stay with me.” the united efforts of both the officers to “ Martha, dear,” said Susan, “ I feel support her into the house where, burnt sure th at Miss Cosgrove would not feathers having failed as a restorative, approve of the whisky being left by ginger cordial was given with good itself. Go and lock it up at once and hide results. the key under the tea-caddy as she Now Aunt Kate had invited both directed. Leave the cordial here in case Martha and Susan Shortt to assist in dear Lady Condon should have a relapse. dispensing the hospitality, which was Perhaps you had better not return. looked upon by her guests more in the ‘ Peace, perfect peace,’ as the hymn says, light of a house-warming in honour of is what this dear lady needs after her her inheritance than as an ordinary alarming experience.” hunt breakfast. Both these ladies were Having got rid of her obedient sister, naturally much concerned, in their dif­ Susan set to work to make the most of ferent ways, at the distressing condition an opportunity for which she had long in which they saw the principal guest of been waiting. Although Lady Condon the day carried in. Martha genuinely lived in another parish and took little alarmed, and Susan officiously helpful interest in ecclesiastical matters, her and most anxious to ingratiate herself liberality and kindness of heart were well with a lady of such importance. known to Susan and her father. Her “ Oh dear, oh dear ! ” wailed the name was generally to be found heading former. “ Call in Doctor Trail at once ; the list of subscribers to any charitable TRANAMOE 251

object in the parish of Garryduff, and she think, bring in most money, especially if was always ready to act as patroness or a personage of your position and popu­ performer at bazaars or concerts whether larity undertook the management. Of got up for the “ Propagation of the course there is much to be said in favour Gospel/' or the addition of a kitchen of a concert. What a success a duet sung sink to the rectory. by Sir Thomas and our dear Nell would The old harmonium in Garryduff be, particularly if accompanied by you I church had of late entirely struck work, the That sweet thing from ‘ Romeo and united efforts of Sam Steede, the clerk, Juliet,’ for instance. So suitable in every and Peter Dempsey, the handy man, way and such a pleasant way to announce having failed to stop the many leaks in the engagement. How devoted they seem the bellows. “ Indeed,” said the latter, and how delighted you must be at the “ Miss Susan must be a hardv woman to prospect of such a suitable match ! ” stand the cowld of it. Only for the way “ Suitable match ! ” repeated her she’s sated on ’em, the petticoats would ladyship, as she started up from the sofa. be blown over her head wid the breeze “ What do you mean ? 1 never heard of of wind that do be blowing up her two such a thing. Good heavens, I’ll be a legs while she’s bellusin’.” grandmother before I know where I am ? The neighbouring church of Lismore Up to now Thomas has frequently been had of late acquired a new American mistaken for my brother. Ring the bell. organ purchased with the proceeds of a Send for the carriage.” Then she sank concert at which her ladyship had back on the cushions and had to be played a solo on the harp as well as revived with ‘‘just another spoonful.” accompanying Sir Thomas as he sang When Aunt Kate returned from a “ The Minstrel Boy.” Why should not fruitless day’s hunting her temper was Garryduff do likewise ? It would be such not improved by finding Susan still on a slap in the face to Miss Cosgrove, who the premises. The Tranamoe woods had complained daily of the badness of the been drawn blank for the first time in music, but never suggested a remedy. living memory, thereby causing the dis­ Had she not publicly thanked God, only grace of the voung hounds who, for want last Sunday, that she could at last give of a larger quarry, took to chasing fur her undivided attention to her prayers and feather indiscriminately, ending up instead of being continually reminded of by killing a goose, for which she had to the death-bed of her best sow, by the pay. squeals and grunts of Miss Shortt and “ A bad day, a damn bad day, and her harmonium ? what are you doing here ? ” was the curt “ I do hope that you are keeping up reply which Susan got to her inquiry as your music, dear Lady Condon,” began to the sport. Susan. “As my dear father so frequently “ I really couldn’t go without telling says, talent such as yours should be kept you the news, the great news,” gushed before the public and not let lie, wrapped she. “ Dear Lady Condon is going to up in its napkin. How beautifully you give a fete for the benefit of Garryduff played at the Lismore concert ! I really church, and Mr. Carmody has promised do not think that I ever heard anything to assist by giving a circus performance to equal the feeling that you put into in the pleasure grounds at Condonstown. ‘ The Maiden’s Prayer.’ And that re­ Money ought to pour in. We’ll be able minds me that I was just about to write to buy a real organ.” and implore your aid in getting up an “ Then I’ll have to become a Papist entertainment for the purpose of buying in self-defence,” retorted Aunt Kate. an organ for our poor little church. A ‘‘I’m told that Father Clancy sings bazaar or fete of some sort would, I without music. I didn’t think Nicholas 252 THE BADMINTON MAGAZINE could be such a fool, but if he has first letter came, and as Mrs. Callaghan promised he’ll keep his word. Good-bye.” truly said, “ It looked like the makin’ of Many weary days and sleepless nights a hungry Christmas. Not a pie nor a passed over Aunt Kate before she again puddin’ mixed yet, an’ meself in dread gave a thought to either Nicholas or to mintion the matter to the mistress.” his promised circus performance. A “ How frightened you are,” said dreadful misfortune, according to her William; “ sure you needn’t ax her superstitious notions, had happened. The straight out. There’s more ways for miniature of Claude Cosgrove had been killin’ a dog than chokin’ him wid buther. found broken to pieces on the hearth­ I’ll engage I’ll have her mixin’ puddins’ stone, on the same morning on which before the day’s out. She’s a dale more Jack sailed for India. After the first like herself since Master Jack’s letter burst of grief and anger she forbade all kem. Didn’t I see herself an’ Miss Nell mention of the subject and went on her playin’ mulberry bush wid the child a daily round of household duties, but with while ago ? ” a set, white face and anxious eyes. She Little Kitty had of late taken a locked cupboards from mere force of violent fancy to Aunt Kate and followed habit, but frequently left the keys in the her about like a pet kitten whenever she locks and allowed Mrs. Callaghan to could escape from Cora. At first my help herself to groceries with such a free aunt seemed to think the child a nuisance hand that she reported in the servants’ and was continually sending her back to hall that “ the change for death must be her foster-mother, but persistence won comin’ over the mistress or she’d never the day, and now the big pocket held be so liberal wid the tay.” sugar candy as well as keys, and Cora The coloured photograph of her boy, stood in danger of losing the child in full regimentals, which had stood side altogether. She was a pretty child, with by side with the miniature was now the yellow hair of her mother and the hidden away in the old desk which held dark blue eyes and finely-chiselled all her greatest treasures, bank receipts, features of my sister Nell. the pedigrees of hounds and horses, and “ Upton needn’t have taken the the recipe for making the celebrated trouble to disown her,” said my aunt ; ginger cordial. “ anybody could see that her father was A voyage to India in the old Jumna, a gentleman.” a paddle-wheeled troopship of the most The game was over when William tub-like build, was a much more tedious returned to the sitting-room with coals and less luxurious journey than the for the fire. Aunt Kate sat in her usual pleasure trips enjoyed by the soldiers of high-backed chair with the child fast the present day. Letters, too, took a asleep in her lap, while Nell stood in the long time to reach home even when window watching the hounds who were posted in a passing ship, as was the case being walked on the lawn. with the one that Sam Steede himself “ Hush,” whispered Aunt Kate; brought to Tranamoe one Sunday “ don’t wake the child.” morning. “ There’s no fear, Miss,” replied “ ’Tis from Master Jack,” said he ; “ I William; “ I’m well used to childer. couldn’t wait till church time to hear the ’Twill be like ould times havin’ the like news.” of her for Christmas. I suppose we’ll “ Good news, thank God,” said Aunt have the puddin' blazin’ agin. We never Kate as she read. “ The boy is well and had it since our own grew up.” full of spirits. He must be landed by “ Nell! Nell! ” cried Aunt Kate, in this.” an agitated whisper. “ Try and take the It was late in December when Jack’s keys out of my pocket. I can’t move my TRANAMOE 253 arm without waking Kitty. Give the time it came em pty to Mr. Dobson’s cook everything she wants and tell her funeral.” to start the Christmas pudding. God Far from being empty, on this occasion forgive me, I’ve been neglecting my it disgorged, first, an elderly female of duties.” a depressed and crushed appearance, “ Ha, ha! ” said William, as he helped carrying a very fat spaniel, then, after the cook to stone the raisins. “ Didn’t some little time spent in disengaging I tell you I’d rouse her ? I’ll engage herself from the folds of a fur cloak, Lady she’ll be measurin’ out the tay an’ sugar Condon, in ostrich feathers and a to-morrow as tight as ever.” respirator. Christmas came, and with it another “ Don’t shut the door,” said she; “ Sir letter from Jack, brimming over with Thomas has not yet alighted.” high spirits and plans for the future Red-faced, with coat and waistcoat destruction of elephants and tigers when­ unbuttoned and apparently in an ever his leave should begin. Aunt Kate’s advanced stage of asphyxiation, Tommy superstitious fears began to evaporate, Condon stepped forth, stumbling over a and before the holidays were over she hot-water tin as he came. was again in the saddle, the only “ Mistress “ Damn the thing! ” said he with of Foxhounds ” in the kingdom and emphasis, as he turned his heated face proud of the position, although she was towards the breeze, “ I’ll walk home. I never tired of announcing that she was won’t get the taste of dog and toilet “only keeping the seat warm for Jack.” vinegar out of my mouth for a week ! ’ ’ A new miniature, Nicholas’ Christmas “ It was most inconsiderate of you to present, now stood beside the Iron Duke thrust yourself in at the last moment. on the dining-room mantelpiece. He had What between you and Wilson, my poor sent a copy of Jack’s photograph to one dear Flora has had a most uncomfort­ of Nell’s artist friends in Paris and this able drive ”—here her ladyship frowned was the result. We were fast settling severely at her maid. “ Cramps are no down into the old groove in which we had excuse for making other people uncom­ all spent the greater part of our lives and fortable. She takes up more room every out of which Jack’s departure and Mr. day.” Dobson’s death had so roughly jolted us, “ My dear mother,” replied he, “ it was when our peace was once more disturbed far more inconsiderate of you to keep in a most unlooked-for manner. both windows shut. I think I’ll stay in It was New Year’s Day and we were the fresh air for a while. Tell Miss Kate still sitting over the early dinner, which that I have gone to the kennels.” Aunt Kate had ordered so that the “ Oh, my dearest Kate,” cried her servants might have a long evening to ladyship, as she hurried to meet my aunt, themselves for their annual festivities in “ do tell me that it isn’t true. Look at the servants’ hall. William had just me, I’ve become a wreck, a positive filled the glass with which my aunt was wreck since that dreadful Miss Shortt about to drink the toast of absent friends, told me. Surely they are both too and Nell and Cora were on the point of ridiculously young. Where is Nell ? ” starting “ Auld Lang Syne,” when the “ I have no idea what you are talking window was darkened by the shadow of about,” replied Aunt Kate. “ Sit down some large body and the sound of wheels and compose yourself. Divide anything announced the arrival of visitors. that Susan Shortt may have told you “ God bless me,” ejaculated Aunt by two, and you will find the result Kate, “ why, it’s Georgina’s chariot! considerably more than the truth. If It has only been here once in these the persons you refer to are young they last twenty years, not counting the are most probably also ridiculous. Nell 254 THE BADMINTON MAGAZINE is at the kennels. Now speak slowly CHAPTER XIV. and explain yourself.” H a v i n g once undertaken it, Nicholas “ If she has gone to the kennels,” said was determined that his part of Lady her ladyship, in a tone of resignation, Condon’s entertainment should be a “ all is now over. Thomas has gone success. He insisted on our rehearsing there too.” every fine day in the old rath, and had “ Georgina, you are making yourself the large barn cleaned out for practice in too absurd,” said Aunt Kate, in her wet weather. This was necessary, as the sternest voice. performance at Condonstown was to take “ Don’t be unkind to me,” wailed her place in the courtyard, which her lady­ ladyship ; “ it’s all too dreadful. 1 know ship was having roofed in with canvas he’ll make me a grandmother before my for the occasion. The lack of scenery tim e.” was in part overcome by Peter Dempsey, “ Why you’re older than I am ; at whose fertile brain thought of building an least you used to be when we were at arch out of empty butter firkins, through school together,” replied my aunt. “ If which the company were to march into you’re talking about Tommy and Nell, the ring. Before many days Nicholas had the sooner they make you a grandmother accomplished the seemingly impossible the better pleased I’ll be. They were feat of training the garden donkey to made for one another.” mount on to the top of this and stand in “ But, my dear Kate,” replied her the attitude of Wellington’s charger while ladyship, “ she isn’t an heiress. A man young Joe, in a cocked hat, acted the of title ought to marry money ; it looks part of the Iron Duke. My colt dropped so much better in the fashionable dead at the report of a pistol, fired by the intelligence ; ‘ Only daughter and heiress monkey, and went through most of the of So-and-so.’ Not that I am mercenary usual circus tricks. Nell and her mare or that Thomas needs money, but it is marched, waltzed, and jumped gates, to always done by the best people.” the admiration of all beholders, while “ It all depends what you mean Connie’s dog performed miracles of by heiress,” said my aunt. “ Those activity, ending up by removing all ‘ Boomerang ’ Mining Shares have turned the performers’ hats in answer to the out better than anybody expected. applause. Nell’s share comes to something like All was going smoothly and we were fifteen thousand pounds. I sold out last looking forward with confidence to the month just after that fresh strike of gold great day, when an unexpected blow fell. was made. Now let us say no more Snuff mysteriously disappeared. He had about it. We are just two matchmaking slept as usual on his master’s bed, but in old women, no better than Susan Shortt. the morning was nowhere to be found. Very likely the poor young things are That day three weeks was the date fixed talking fox-hunting with Davy at this for the performance and we possessed moment and not dreaming of matrimony. ’ ’ nothing in the shape of an understudy Davy must have been entertaining for our best performer. Connie was in company and fox-hunting a subject of despair when a day and night had absorbing interest, for tea was over and passed without news of his favourite, but the chariot had been some time waiting Nicholas maintained that he would turn at the door before Nell and Tommy up in safety before many days were returned. past. “ Well ? ” inquired Aunt Kate, as they “ No,” said his weeping master, “ he’s entered the sitting-room. dead. He would never stay a day away “ Very well,” replied Tommy, where­ from me if he was living.” upon Aunt Kate gave him a hearty kiss. “ Not dead, but courting,” replied TRANAMOE 255

Nicholas. “ You’ll see him back in a you yet. I promise you he’ll surprise day or two at farthest.” the company if he isn’t in dread of the “ ’Tisn’t that I’m so much in dread crowd. I never seen him in dread of of,” replied Connie, “ but there was a anything before, but I had to put a collar report of a mad dog at Lismire last an’ chain on him last night to keep him Sunday. All that was at Mass turned from runnin’ away home, an’ he didn’t out to hunt him, but they never kilt him. ate a bite to-day.” ’Twas in this direction he ran. What’ll The performance was about to begin. I do at all if he meets Snuff ? Does Never before had such a crowd been seen the like of mad dogs go courtin’, Mr. in Condonstown. All records of bazaars, Carmody ? ” concerts, or even garden parties, had On being assured by Nicholas that already been broken. Susan Shortt, as lovemaking was quite foreign to the she sat in the pay-box, was in that state nature of mad dogs, Connie cheered up of greedy excitement which attacks even and was ready to say “ I told you so ” the mildest and most liberal of ladies when Snuff limped into the ring on the at charitable entertainments. following day. ” Eight half-crowns make a pound,” “ ’Tisn’t a bite at all,” said he, as he repeated she for the twentieth time. examined the wounded leg. “ ’Tis more “ Twelve pound ten to a hundred. Why, like the tear of a nail or something else there’s a harmonium gone in already. sharp. He’ll be all right long before the It'll soon be an American organ. A day, an’ sure I have no more to tache shilling a head for tea ought to be ample him .” for the kitchen sink and leave something The wounded leg healed up wonder­ substantial for the leaks in the rectory fully quickly and before a week was past roof. Thank God, we have Lismire the rehearsals were again in full swing beaten already. It took a concert and and Snuff was jumping as well as ever. a jumble sale to heat the church.” The entire circus company moved over Our orchestra had at first presented to Condonstown two days before the fete what looked like an unsurmountable so that we might have a few final difficulty. It was plainly out of the practices in the new ring and get question for young Joe Dempsey to the animals used to their strange personate the Duke of Wellington and surroundings. beat the drum at one and the same time, Lady Condon had a large house-party even if the donkey could have been for the occasion and had arranged to give trusted to stand the flourish of the drum­ a dance on the night of the performance, sticks without flinching. A duet between followed by a lawn meet of the Tranamoe Peter and Cora on the concertina and hounds on the next morning. The court­ guitar was hardly up to the level of the yard had been covered in with canvas. rest of the entertainment. Nicholas flatly The Duke of Wellington’s arch with its refused to ask her ladyship to assist with concealed gangway, up which the donkey the harp, and Susan Shortt’s suggestion was to walk, was erected. Sand and saw­ that the old harmonium should be added dust had been spread over the surface of to the band, “ just to let people hear the yard. Everything was ready. the kind of noise it made, in case a It quite reminds me of old days in further subscription should be necessary,” Barnum’s Circus,” said Nicholas. “ ’Tis was treated with the scorn it deserved. a pity we have so little to show. If I’d We were almost at our wits’ end when only had three months’ warning, I’d have Nell suggested that the musicians who surprised the neighbourhood.” had been engaged for the dance should “ Wait a while,” said Connie. “ I have come in time to play at the circus. Snuff trained to do more than I ever told The last half-crown had been collected

K n o . c c x l i i i . v o l . x l i i i .— October, 1915. 256 THE BADMINTON MAGAZINE while the band played a selection of stopped as if he had been shot, and as classical music which was not at all to the applause continued he turned tail the taste of an audience, most of whose and rushed through the archway, pursued ideas rose no higher than “ The Priest by his master. That was the last act, in his Boots,” or “ The Rakes of Mallow.” and as soon as we could get our horses Loud was the applause when, to the good stabled, Nicholas and I started off to look old tune of “ See the Conquering Hero for Connie and his dog. At the far end Comes,” first the Duke of Wellington’s of the pleasure-ground we found the boy cocked hat and then the ears of the stretched on the ground, sobbing in a donkey, rose above the arch. The heartbroken manner. applause became deafening when his “ There is something bad the matter grace, climbing gingerly over the tail of wid Snuff,” said he, between his sobs. his charger, seated himself, telescope in “ See what he did to me when I tried hand, in the well-known attitude of the to catch him.” Here he held out one hero of Waterloo. Then the procession arm, from which the sleeve hung in filed in, headed by Nell, her high-stepping ribbons. “ He took the full of his mouth mare keeping time to the music as she out of me coat an’ then ran into the marched. A tiny pony ridden by little wood. ’Tis unknown where he is now.” Kitty came next, and then my colt, “ Let me see your arm,” said Nicholas, barebacked as became the trick horse of in an anxious voice. the show, walked in on his hind legs and “ He didn’t bite me at all. ’Twas sat down in the centre of the ring. The only the coat, an’ ’tis little I care about rear was brought up by Connie, still that. Stoop down till I’ll whisper to leading Snuff in a leash and looking on you,” sobbed the boy. “ ’Twas a bite the verge of tears. As he passed between was in his leg that time I toult you Nicholas and myself he whispered : ’twas a tear of a nail. Is he mad, do you “ ’Tis the strange music that has him think ? ” frightened. He never heard a fiddle “ God knows,” said Nicholas, as he before. I won’t lave him go till the band examined the torn sleeve. “ There must stops.” be something wrong or the dog that would “ 'Tis just stage fright,” said Nicholas. fly at anyone who touched you would “ I’ve had it meself before now.” never do this. T’d give a hundred pounds The performance went on with the this minute to have him under lock and greatest possible success until the time key. Promise me to shut him up safely came for Connie’s grand act with his if he comes back, but be careful not to marvellous jumping dog. The Duke of let him bite you.” Wellington and his charger descended “ Maybe he’ll be at home before me, from their perch and joined the rest of after all,” replied Connie. “ I’ll borrow the company, all of whom were placed the donkey from Joe an’ go home this at intervals round the ring. The band m inute.” ceased playing at Connie’s request and The ball of forty years ago was a very we all noticed that Snuff seemed to take different affair from the dance of to-day. courage the moment the fiddles were The very name is now seldom heard. silenced. The leash was taken off, and Manners, music and motions have at a signal from his master the dog changed, and, of course, the women have dashed at full speed round the circle, altered the fashion of their dress at least jumping clean over each horse or man forty times in those forty years. Luckily, as he came to them. He had completed the most ladical male remains conserva­ his first round and was starting on the tive where his clothes are concerned. second when the audience began to The same swallow-tailed coat which was applaud. At the first clap the dog worn by the long-haired swell w’ith TRANAMOE 257 side-whiskers, still adorns the clean-shaved um. Ladies’ chain. General confusion. nut of to-day. Quadrilles, lancers, and The Colonel redder than ever, her lady­ the polka mazurka had not yet altogether ship’s dress slipping farther off her given way to the waltz, and the fashion­ shoulders, Aunt Kate stalking solemnly able dances of to-day were yet only through the figure, and the Lismire danced by the negroes of the United parson escaped for good from the angry States and by drunken sailors and their Susan. The ball is now open. Chaperons half-caste partners in the dance-halls of and elderly gentlemen retire to whist and South American ports. Much formality negus, and the floor is taken by the was observed at the Condonstown ball. youth of both sexes. The dancing As the clock struck nine, her ladyship mamma was quite unknown in those sailed into the dining-room, which had far-off days. been cleared for dancing, leaning on The opening dance was not by any the arm of Colonel Bullen of the East means Susan Shortt’s only terpsichorean Kerry Fusiliers. She took her stand at effort that night. Unlike her sister the end of the room, immediately beneath Martha, who sat quietly enjoying the the picture of Cleopatra, and clasped her happiness of others, quite contented to serpent necklace in imitation of the act the part of a wallflower herself, tragic manner in which the great queen Susan’s more pushing nature made her pressed the viper to her bosom. The insist on having a share—if possible a members of the house party arranged lion’s share—in everything that might themselves for the dance in strict order be going on. The bashful youths, who of precedence, Aunt Kate and Tommy for some reason best known to themselves facing her ladyship, the others taking up haunt all ballrooms, were one after the their positions at the sides of the square other snatched up by her and whirled according to their degree, those nearest into the vortex of the polka. It might the hostess considering themselves in the have been leap year, judging from the most honourable places. The common way in which she bore down on herd in the meantime stood close packed unsuspecting young men who happened against the wall or peered in at the door. to be resting for a moment, and bore them Dancing must not become general until off from their disconsolate partners. At the ball has been formally declared open, last, hot and dishevelled, she sat down as if it was an exhibition or some such for a moment by her meek sister. public function. “ Oh, Susan dear,” cried Martha, “ I Rumti tumti tumtiti went the band as am so glad you’ve come. I could cry her very decolletee ladyship and the red­ from happiness. What do you think has faced Colonel advanced to meet Aunt happened ? Sir Thomas has told me that Kate—tightly buttoned to the throat in our darling Nell has promised to marry black satin—and her slim young partner. him. Isn’t it too delightful ? ” At the same time, the Master of the “ I knew all about it weeks ago,” Funcheon Vale hounds led Mrs. Colonel replied Susan. " Just look at this horrid Bullen—a drooping lady with sloping stain on my bodice. Could you rub it shoulders and ringlets—through the same out if we went to the cloakroom ? ” manoeuvre with Doctor Trail and Mrs. “ I fear not,” said Martha, as she O'Hara, the bouncing wife of the Lismire peered at it with her short-sighted eyes. Parson, as vis-a-vis. “ It’s either perspiration or grease from Rumti tumti tumtiti. The sides of the the whiskers. Do let me tell you about square are now started, Susan Shortt these sweet young creatures. They have holding the Lismire parson firmly by the actually named the day. May, too. Such hand as if she suspected him of a desire an unlucky month, but there is no use in to bolt. Rum ti turn turn turn turn tiddly telling them so.”

K 2 258 THE BADMINTON MAGAZINE

“ Why not ? ” replied Susan. “ If About half-a-dozen sportsmen had anything dreadful were to happen after­ arrived before the fifteen minutes were wards one would naturally like to be able up, and the banging of doors and shouts to say that one had prophesied it. I shall for boots and spurs showed that others make a point of telling them before the were awake and anxious to be mounted. evening is out.” True to her word, Aunt Kate began to Before the ball was over, the engage­ draw the woods on the stroke of the ment was known to everyone. Healths stable clock, but in spite of the assurance were drunk in the supper-room to such of an English gamekeeper that there an extent that Colonel Bullen, who had were dozens of foxes, nothing but rabbits more than done his duty in that line, at and pheasants were found. last burst into tears on Lady Condon’s “ I always notice that there’s nothin’ shoulder and refused to be comforted. so unwholesome for foxes as pheasants,” “ He was a good man,” said he, said Davy. “ I’m toult there was won between his sobs. “ We’ll hardly ever found dead here last week.” see his like again. May the heavens be “ Come away out of this,” said Father his bed to-night.” Clancy. “ Maybe we might get another It was only when he began to recite hunt like the last won out of the cover the prayer for the repose of the soul of above on the hill. I hear there was a fox the faithful departed that it dawned on seen there last night.” his audience that he was under the We were still almost a quarter-of-a- impression that he was at a wake. mile from the cover when Father Clancy “ Georgina,” said Aunt Kate, with shouted to Davy, “ Look at him ! Look great firmness, “ stop the music. Supper at him ! There he goes by the western will be getting mixed up with breakfast fence of the cover.” if we don’t go to bed. You seem to All eyes were turned in that direction forget that hounds meet here this and there, in plain sight of everybody, morning.” was a yellow object slinking through a This broke up the great Condonstown gap in the fence. ball. “ Tally-ho ! ” yelled Davy, as he set Davy and his hounds arrived spurs to his horse and galloped away with punctually at half-past ten that morning, the excited pack tearing along in front but by eleven o’clock Father Clancy was of him. “ There isn’t a bit of scint,” the only mounted man who had put in said he, as the hounds barely showed a an appearance. line through the gap. One or two of “ Give ’em a blast of the horn, Davy,” the young hounds spoke and then, as said his reverence. “ If it doesn’t bring they were cheered on, the rest of the out the sportsmen it may bring the pack began to hunt. The scent seemed bottle. ’Twas a wet night by all accounts to improve as they ran, and by the time but there may be a drop in the house still. we reached the Condonstown woods the Give ’em another. They didn’t hear that. whole pack was giving tongue and If the butler doesn’t show up in a minute running as if they meant to get blood. I’ll go in an’ help meself.” The demesne wall of Condonstown is Aunt Kate was the first to appear in too high for a horse to jump, so we all answer to the horn and soon routed out had to ride for the entrance gate. As we a sleepy footman to minister to the reached it I saw Nicholas Carmody wants of the thirsty priest. running towards us, waving his arms “ We’ll give 'em fifteen minutes law and evidently in a state of great excite and no more,” said she. “ If they’re not ment. mounted by then I’ll draw the wood “ Stop ’em ! Stop ’em ! For God’s without ’em.” sake, stop ’em ! ” gasped he. “ 'Tis TRANAMOE 259

Snuft they’re hunting, and I’m sure he’s “ In the name of God what is it ? ” mad.” asked Davy, as he whipped the last of “ You’re mad yourself,” snapped his hounds away from the body. Davy. “ Is it my hounds to hunt a “ I t’s all that is left of a m ad dog,” dirty cur dog ? For ad ! For ad ! me replied Nicholas. “ Your hounds have darlin’s. I ’ll have the cur dog’s brush been bitten and must be destroyed. for you before long, me bould hawker.” This has happened through your own With that he dashed down a ride in the obstinacy. Take care that worse doesn’t wood and was soon out of sight. come of it.” “ Stay with me, Denis,” said Nicholas, “ Mad dog,” sneered Davy, as he as he caught hold of my horse’s bridle. turned the body over with his foot. “ Harm must come out of this and I “Don’t you know your own jumping cur ? won’t let you run into danger.” He must have been something to a fox The cry of the hounds was now coming or my hounds would never hunt him. quickly towards us, and I knew from the Mad or not makes no difference. The crash of breaking underwood that they hounds are all worumed. There is no must be close to their quarry, whatever danger. ’Tis all that’s troublin’ me is it was. the disgrace. I’ll hide him in the wood, “ There he goes,” cried Nicholas. before the people collects. Don’t tell on Then I saw a sight that will remain me, Mr. Carmody, an’ I’ll remember it to branded on my brain while my life lasts. you for ever.” Out into the ride trotted a muddy Knowing how hopeless it was to try yellow dog. With arched back and and convince the old huntsman of the drooping tail he plodded along in the terrible risk he was running, Nicholas middle of the path, turning neither to went straight to Aunt Kate, but with the right or left from the branches which little result. It is true that she sent the lay strewn here and there, but just pack home without any further attempt stumbling over them as if he was blind. at hunting on that day, and ordered the He seemed deaf to the cry of the hounds execution of Ravager. Not because he and never looked round or increased his had been bitten, but because he had pace as they poured out of the wood behind led the pack during the dog hunt. To him. Ravager reached him first and I all Nicholas’ pleadings she replied : plainly saw the yellow dog fasten his “ I wouldn’t destroy Jack’s hounds teeth in the hound’s neck before the for a million, and, anyhow, I have entire pack was on him in one worrying absolute faith in Davy. There is no heap. All was over in a few moments. danger whatever. If a hound goes mad The older hounds were beginning to he can be killed. He can’t communicate slink back into the wood with shame­ the disease once he is wormed.” faced air and drooping sterns when Davy “ But,” said Nicholas, “ both Denis arrived on the scene of the tragedy. and I saw at least one other hound Ravager and a few of the younger ones bitten. A white bitch. Denis knows still shook and tore at the mangled her name. For heaven’s sake have her corpse which had so lately been the destroyed even if you keep the rest.” pride of the circus and the darling of “ Kill Victory, the best hound in the the lame boy’s heart. Nicholas stood, pack ! ” replied Aunt Kate. “ I wouldn’t white-faced and anxious, still holding take a hundred pounds for her, besides my bridle while the bitter tears ran which she’s in whelp. Say no more unheeded down my face—tears which I about it.” would have died rather than shed in The secret of Snuff’s miserable end public, had I not entirely lost control of was well kept. Poor Connie did not hear myself. of it till long afterwards and lived on for 260 THE BADMINTON MAGAZINE many days in the hope that his favourite part in our exercises since her engage­ might return to him. The pack hunted ment, and with her most of the life and regularly to the end of the season, spirit had left our little company. About which only lasted about three weeks this time, too, I began to show signs of from the day of the Condonstown ball. that delicacy of constitution which has Nothing unusual happened in the field, remained with me ever since, condemning but I noticed that Aunt Kate went to me to a sedentary existence when every the kennel more frequently than was nerve and fibre of my weakly body has her custom and that Davy did his best unceasingly craved for a life in the open to discourage her visits, while he flatly amongst the wild creatures whom I have refused to allow either Nell or myself always loved better than my fellow men. to enter the doors. With the death of At first there was some talk of sending Snuff both Nicholas and Connie seemed me abroad to the care of a German to lose interest in the circus, and doctor, but I refused to hear of this, I myself was not sorry when the time and at last Aunt Kate agreed to say no came for turning our horses out to grass. more about it until after Nell’s marriage, Nell had almost entirely ceased to take the time for which was fast approaching.

[To be continued). A PRIZE COMPETITION ROYAL AUCTION BRIDGE

BY PORTLAND

SECOND MONTH OF A NEW COMPETITION

Notice to Competitors: The problem 1st October. In order to obtain as large published below (Problem VIII.) is the a field as possible, however, and to give second problem of a new competition, the laggards a further chance, I have in which six problems in all will be set decided to repeat this problem and to for solution. The first problem of the allow an extra month, viz., until the series (Problem VII.) appeared in our 1st November, to European competitors last issue, and, strictly speaking, solutions for sending in solutions to it. But this to this from competitors anywhere in relaxation of our Rules is not to be taken Europe should be received by us by the as a precedent for future occasions.

PROBLEM VIII. (The second, problem of a new competition.) A and B are partners against Y and Z. Score: Love-all, in the third game. Z deals and declares “ one no-trump.” A, Y, and B all pass. Y’s and Z’s hands are as follows :— Y’s hand (Dummy). H ea rts...... J 5 4 Diamonds 6 4 3 2 C lu bs...... Q 10 5 S p ad es...... Q 3 2

A (Leader). B (Third Player).

Z’s hand (Declarer). H ea rts...... A 3 D ia m o n d s K Q J 5 C lu bs...... A J 9 8 7 S p a d es...... A 10

The first trick is as follows :—

HOW OUGHT Z TO PLAY THE HAND, AND WHY ? See our Rules of Royal Auction Bridge Competition as to the date by which solutions must be received,

Problem VI. was as follows :—

A and B are partners against Y and Z. Score : A and B, 24 ; Y and Z, 0 ; in the third game Z deals and declares “ one no-trump ”—A, Y, and B all pass. Y’s and Z’s hands are as follows :—

Y’s hand (Dummy). H ea rts. . . . A 3 2 Diamonds. . .K Q 4 C lubs...... K 7 6 S pad es. . . . • ■K J 8 5

A (Leader). B (Third Player).

Z’s hand (Declarer). H ea rts Q J 4 Diamonds... 10 3 2 C lubs...... A J 9 8 3 S p ad es...... A Q

The first trick is as follows :—

Solution : Although it would appear that A and whether it wins or not a second trick in has led from strength, it is just possible that the hearts is established. By this means, Z makes 8 was the top card of a short suit, and that B absolutely certain of game, which is very important has held up the ace in order to obtain complete at the score, as he must make four tricks in command of diamonds. Having regard to this spades, two in clubs, two in hearts, and one in risk Z must not take any finesse which might put diamonds. If the queen of hearts is allowed to the lead into A’s hand, but should play as follows : win, at trick 4, he can lead the knave of clubs, At trick 2, Z puts himself in with the queen of and finesse up to B if A does not cover, with a spades, makes the ace, and then leads the queen view to securing one or two over-tricks. of hearts. If A covers, Y wins with the ace, but Correct solutions : C. H. Atkinson, Jacobus, otherwise the queen is allowed to run up to B, Medico, Parabola.

PROBLEM VII. (R e p e a t e d ). (The first problem of a new competition.)

A and B are partners against Y and Z. Score : Love-all. A deals, and the bidding is as follows :— First round : A “ one royal ” ; Y “ two clubs ” ; B “ no ” ; Z “ two diamonds.” Second round : A ” two royals ” ; Y “ three diamonds ” ; B “ no ” ; Z “ no.” Third round : A ” no.” ROYAL AUCTION BRIDGE 263

Y’s and Z’s hands are as follows :— Y’s hand (Dummy). H ea rts...... A J 9 6 D iam on d s...... K 10 6 C lubs...... A K J 10 5 3 S p ad es...... N one

A (Leader). B (Third Player).

Z’s hand (Dealer). H ea rts...... 7 4 D iam on d s Q J 9 8 7 C lubs...... 8 7 S p ad es...... A K 4 2 The first three tricks are as follows :— Trick 1 Trick 2 Trick 3

Tricks: AB, 0; YZ, 1. Tricks: AB, 1; YZ, 1. Tricks: AB, 2; YZ, 1. At trick 4, A leads the 3 of hearts. HOW OUGHT “ Z ” TO PLAY THE REST OF THE HAND, AND WHY ?

RULES OF ROYAL AUCTION BRIDGE according to “ Portland’s ” discretion, for one by COMPETITION. which a problem is partially solved. 6.—The following prizes will be awarded to the 1.—A problem will be set each month for a competitors who have gained the greatest number period of six months. of marks at the end of the competition : the First 2.—All solutions to the problems must be Prize will be F ive G u in e a s , the Second Prize addressed as follows : “ Royal Auction Bridge T h r ee G u in e a s, and the Third Prize Two Competition, Badminton Magazine, 46 and 47, G u in e a s . Shoe Lane, London, E.C.” From competitors 7.— In the case of a tie between two or more anywhere in Europe they will be received up to competitors for any prize or prizes, the amount the first day of the following month, that is to will be divided between them, or they may be say, solutions to the problems published in this called upon to solve additional problems, at issue will be received up to the 1st November, and “ Portland’s ” discretion. so on. 8.—The decision of “ Portland ” as to the 3.—Solutions from competitors anywhere in correctness of any solution and upon all matters Asia, Africa, or America will be received if they connected with this competition, will be final and bear a postmark not later then the first day of cannot be called in question in any circumstances. the following month but one ; and solutions from 9.—A competitor who wins a prize will have competitors in Australasia, if they bear a post­ four points deducted from his score in the two mark not later than the 21st of that month. following competitions. 10.—A competitor may sign his solutions with 4.—All correspondence relating to this column, a pseudonym or initials, but must send his full other than solutions to problems, which must not name and address for publication when applying be accompanied by any other matter, must be for his prize. addressed personally to “ Portland.” 11.—Only one solution to each problem must 5.—Five marks will be allowed for a perfect be sent by the same competitor, but second solution, and a proportionate number of marks, thoughts are allowed. The Result of our last Competition will be published next month. BADMINTON NOTA BENE

Sc o t t is h Mr. J. W. Stewart-Gunn is a man of subscribers is in existence, well-known s p o r t of opinions and enthusiasm. He sportsmen such as the Duke of Westminster, has devoted much time to a Lord Napier of Magdala, Lord Cassillis, vindication of the Scottish Deer Forests Sir John Stirling Maxwell, and Lord Darnley,. and Grouse Moors, and incidentally, to dis­ giving their support. proving—a fairly easy task—some of the s more outrageous statements put forth in c a t e r in g In these days of reduced domestic support of their cause by misinformed establishments the problem of politicians. Without going too much into cooking becomes, at unexpected times, detail it must be admitted that Mr. J. W. acute. The sudden influx of guests is apt Stewart-Gunn makes out a very good case. to upset the household arrangements. It Obviously, the question is very simple. is in cases of this sort that the manifold Does the country or do the people benefit activities of the West End store become so more by (a) forests and moors, or (b) small valuable. holdings, i.e., crofts ? Harrods, for example, can supply a There can be no question that a very dinner or lunch for any number of persons, large part of the land now reserved almost from one to twenty, at almost a moment’s- exclusively for sporting purposes is quite notice. The meal can be as simple or unsuited for agriculture. Before the land elaborate as the hostess desires. The food could yield a living to its people a very is sent direct in the firm’s own vans and is- large sum of money would have to be spent served hot or cold—according to its nature— on it. Its nature makes the use of modern on the table, by members of the staff. agricultural machinery impossible. At the Dishes rendered impossible by the restricted best then a very poor return would be domestic arrangements of the average house­ afforded for the money and time spent in hold are made possible by this means, and its cultivation. Left untended for a short one can rely on the food and wine being time the land would return to a state served in the very best of condition. The of primitive wildness. People, then, crying price compares very favourably with the for the use of this sporting land for crofting cost of preparing and cooking the meal at purposes are offering the peasantry some­ home. Orders can be given either by post thing suspiciously like unto white slavery. or telephone. As we have said, the con­ On the other hand, as our author sagely venience of economy of this service is, under observes, this sort of thing means votes for the existing abnormal conditions, unique the cause, whereas the educated voter or and valuable. owner of shootings is rather apt to think He * * * * things out for himself and to vote accor­ d r i - p e d This excellent improved leather is- dingly ; he has little use for the ambitious in great demand by Army men and plausible carpet-bagger. who find it so important to their general As against this problem of land barrenness health to keep their feet in good condition. Mr. Stewart-Gunn points out that a huge We understand that Dri-ped is just ordinary sum of money is spent annually on the sport leather treated in such a way that the soft itself, and a further huge sum on the spots found in all leathers become of similar auxiliaries thereto. Work and a livelihood hardness, and the whole sole is of equal is found for a large number of people who, hard-wearing consistency. It makes a otherwise, would be living in a state of special appeal to sportsmen, golfers, etc., partial or semi-starvation. Any reader who and others who have hard walking and may be interested in this question will be climbing to do. Almost any bootmaker supplied with literature and leaflets on can supply Dri-ped, and it can be adopted application to The Vindication of the Deer to all the well-known makes of foot-gear Forests and Grouse Moors of Scotland and when requested. The extra cost is small, North of England, 5, Guilford Place, London while the wear-resisting qualities of the W.C. One notices that a distinguished list leather are almost doubled. THE HARLEY-DAVIDSON MOTOR-CYCLE, BY REASON OF ITS POWERFUL, QUIET, AND FLEXIBLE ENGINE, IS IDEAL FOR SIDE-CAR WORK

MOTOR SUPPLEMENT

BY W. H. BERRY

m o t o r - c y c l i n g E v e n the war seems a point which has brought it almost powerless to stop the universal popularity. vogue of the motor-cycle. The machines Possibly mechanical reliability has are present in constantly increasing more to do with it than anything else. numbers on the roads. The lady rider First, there must be a quiet, powerful, is a growing factor, and even elderly flexible and not too heavy engine. It people seem to be taking more and more must not be complicated nor extravagant to the sport. These facts are the best in service. Following this a good sound proof that the present-day motor-cycle transmission is necessary, and it is only is both reliable and comfortable, for, as by adhering to approved engineering a race, we are distinctly averse from principles that this can be achieved. discomfort in our sports. There is a Springing, lubrication, weather proof­ certain set standard of comfort which ness, and similar matters call for careful has little to do with the sport per se. consideration on the designer’s part. It For example, cricket could (one supposes) is interesting to note how closely the be played quite well in clothing of black development of motor-cycle construction stuff. But white flannels give that feeling has followed along car lines. The two of sureness, of comfort, of the rightness things are absolutely different, and yet— of things—the idea is hard to put into there is a likeness. words. It is more a “ feeling ” than Take the Harley-Davidson motor-cycle anything else. Anyhow, th e sport of as an example. Here we have a power the motor-cycle has evidently reached unit which has been designed with 266 THE BADMINTON MAGAZINE

THE SHEFFIELD-SIMPLEX TRIAL (HAULING GUNS AND LIMBERS ACROSS COUNTRY WITH SHEFFIELD- SIMPLEX CARS) DID MUCH TO CONVINCE THE AUTHORITIES OF THE VALUE OF CARS FOR THIS PURPOSE an eye to power, balance, ease in hand­ of energy to keeping his employees up ling, and economy. The working parts to “ top-hole ” efficiency ; and makes a are practically all entirely enclosed; special feature of giving every enquiry the magneto is quite accessible ; there his personal attention. is none of that tortuous design in the The import and export trade in motor­ inlet manifold that distinguished amateur cycles and accessories has, naturally, design and ignorance of the first principles been affected by the war. In June of the petrol engine on so many motor­ of 1914, we imported 172 complete cycles a very short time ago. The machines, mostly from the U.S.A. For power is transmitted through a gear-box the corresponding m onth of 1915, this in which—as on the best cars—gear number had risen to 495, of the approxi­ stripping by the novice is impossible. mate value of £25,000. On the other The driving chain is neatly enclosed. hand, in June of 1914, the exports were Thence the final chain drive is by represented by 2,089 motor-cycles, while partly-enclosed chain—a feature which this year the number had dropped to has proved its value in the rough work 881, valued roughly at £40,000. to which both heavy cars and motor­ cycles have been subjected on the s p a r e p a r t s A laudable attempt has Continent. been made by some of the The controls are simple ; the engine more enterprising of our manufacturers is easily started ; when desired a compact to fill up the blank created by the sudden self-contained dynamo electric-lighting stoppage of imports from enemy set can be fitted. All these features have countries. It has unfortunately been rendered the modern cycle a machine for the case that we have relied on Germany the use of both sexes, and for the young far too much in the past for certain and comparatively elderly. supplies. Until quite recently, for Mr. Victor S. Welsford, general example, many otherwise completed manager of all Harley-Davidson interests chassis were waiting in the workshops for outside the U.S.A., is probably one of magnetos. Supplies have now been the most active men likely to be met obtained from other sources, but many with in the motor industry. He concen­ owners, having their cars equipped with trates the whole of his superabundance foreign-made fittings have experienced MOTOR SUPPLEMENT 267 trouble in buying spare parts for but rather fancy that the “ Brown ” replacement purposes. prices for spare parts will be found less Brown Brothers, Ltd., have made than those charged by the makers them­ very complete arrangements for the selves. In any case a postcard to Brown supply of all spare parts for every type of Brothers, Ltd., Great Eastern Street, Bosch magneto. This maker is very London, E., will bring a fully illustrated frank in his claims. He says in a covering list by return, and full particulars for any letter : “ Although these parts are not individual requirement. ‘ genuine,’ they are guaranteed inter­ changeable, and they will give equal service to the parts sold by the manufac­ the The Austin Motor Co. turer. Most orders can be supplied at lady driver (1914), Ltd., in spite of once from stock.” the war and the urgent There is little doubt at all about the and pressing demand on the part of the fact th a t if the Bosch magneto is not Government for the various Austin absolutely the best, and in a class by products, still issues the interesting little itself, there is none better, although house journal known as the Advocate. there may be others as good. The This is a little mark of forethought for numbers of Bosch magnetos in service the owners of this make of car which must be greatly in excess of any other comes very kindly at the present time. make, and this fact speaks for itself. There is always a cheery word and advice The new Brown list is very comprehen­ in season contained in it. Somehow it sive, and gives illustrations of spare parts gives a kind of intimate personal touch for the leading magnetos of foreign make. between owner and manufacturer, and In addition to that mentioned, the Mea, removes the usual feeling that a big the Eisemann, the Splitdorf, the Remy, company is a huge, soulless organisation and the Gray and Davis machines have devoted solely to profit gathering at the received attention. I am not sure, expense of its customers. The Austin

AN UNUSUAL, BUT ATTRACTIVE, BODY FITTED TO ONE OF THE FAMOUS VAUXHALL “ 25 PRINCE HENRY ” CHASSIS. SPEED IN COMBINATION WITH BEAUTY IS AN APT DESCRIPTION OF THIS CAR 268 THE BADMINTON MAGAZINE cars lend themselves well to the treat­ erect a glaring example of bodywork for ment, for there is a distinctly lovable the buyer of a chassis, but I am perfectly quality about the beasts. One does not sure that, before doing so, some very climb into an Austin as one does into a tactful member of the staff would do his tramcar, for example. Almost one feels best to inculcate some degree of taste inclined to pat the bonnet affectionately into the mind of the buyer. It is peculiar before stepping on to the footboard. how some cars lend themselves to vulgar Men—good sportsmen—do pat their display. The exact observer will find as a general rule that, when an uneducated person suddenly acquires wealth, he buys one of about three makes of car (Oh, no, I have too much respect for the law of libel to give names !) You come across their pictures in the illustrated periodicals. One foot on the running board, the owner’s person enveloped in voluminous furs, an immobile driver and footman in front, somebody waving farewell from the house steps—very much like a scene from musical comedy, in fact—and a car that screams to the high heavens as an offence on good taste. As I say, the Austin does not lend itself to treatment of this sort. It is a bit of a thoroughbred, and it is only the trained taste that picks out the right strain in animals and cars, unerringly. Of course, it is almost impossible to get early delivery of Austins now, but the company has opened a waiting list, and orders will be executed in due course, and at the earliest possible moment.

m a k e r s ’ Steps are being taken to bring t r o u b l e s the unfortunate position of the British Motor Industry more closely before the Government. It has been pointed out in previous articles how the manufacturer is suffering by the total stoppage of his private business, MOTOR-CYCLES ARE INCREASINGLY POPULAR and the great invasion of the American- WITH LADIES. NO SIGN OF NERVOUSNESS built car. No statement has yet been IS SHOWN BY THIS RIDER made as to the line which will be adopted, but we are assured that, whatever else horses before climbing into the saddle. it may be, it will be non-political in There are few mechanical constructions, character, meaning, of course, that it however, that can create a similar kindly will not exclusively favour the usual feeling. propaganda of any political party. A good car is no more ostentatious There are three steps which can be than is a well-cut suit of clothes. It is taken to relieve foreign competition while possible that the Austin company may the British maker is unable to meet it in MOTOR SUPPLEMENT 269

the open market. A duty might be throws into strong relief the position of imposed on foreign cars which would help the manufacturer at the moment. to limit their sales ; the import of such “ Practically speaking,” it says, “ the cars and their important component factory at Luton is a Government work­ parts can be prohibited entirely for the shop. Night and day shifts are in vogue, period of the war ; the annual tax on and work is often continued without a foreign cars could be made much heavier. break through the week-ends. The men All the suggestions have their attendant respond cheerfully, appreciating the disadvantages. It is possible that some importance of their efforts. A waiting sort of combined scheme can be arranged, list has had to be opened for prospective but the situation is one that calls for very buyers, for the authorities are taking

A 16 H.P. SUNBEAM CAR ON TOUR IN A PICTURESQUE PART OF NORWAY. THE ROADS SEEM TO BE

DISTINCTLY ON THE POOR SIDE delicate handling by men who have a every one of the famous ‘ Vauxhall first-hand and intimate knowledge of 25 h.p. cars ’ that we can turn out. In the subject. It is not so much the present the early days of the war the Red Cross loss of sales that is worrying the manu­ Associations took every one of the 20 h.p. facturer, for the supplying of Government chassis. We have built a special factory demands is keeping the works very fully for other work—the nature of which we employed. Rather it is the complete loss are not in a position to disclose, but of the goodwill and the distributing the enemy will find out all about it later organisations which have taken years of on. We have had high praise from the effort to acquire. officials for our efforts in this direction.” A letter from the Vauxhall company 270 THE BADMINTON MAGAZINE tyres There is no shortage at present British ideas ? No, for they were, in so far as tyres are concerned; large part, rather inferior imitations nor have the leading companies made of British products. Why, then, oh, any drastic alterations in the prices why ------? notwithstanding the increase in the cost In the light of recent events there is, of raw material and labour. The Avon perhaps, a lame explanation of sorts—a Company has greatly increased its output, rather futile excuse for the buyer of and has been able, so far, to supply both, foreign tyres. Briefly, the enemy was the Government and the private user. over here to capture trade. To secure How long this happy state of affairs will British money and a standing in the continue it is impossible to say, for each country. Wasn’t it the talk of every well- official order shows a substantial increase informed person on motoring matters over the last. This is as it should be. how assiduously a certain German— The Government cannot afford to rua perhaps the leading foreigner in the tyre any risks, and it is essential that tffi trade over here—courted the Army? mechanical transport should be equipped No Army man had any difficulty in with the best only. But why—why in getting big discounts from this gentle­ the name of Bud, should people ever man. In fact, if the Army man talked have bought foreign-made tyres ? Were at all, and was liberal in his invitations they better than the British product ? to camps and manoeuvres, etc., it is They were not, nor, to be strictly truthful, said—on excellent authority, that of the were they anything like so good. Wen officers themselves—that, often enough they cheaper, tyre for tyre ? Most the invoice for tyres supplied failed to emphatically no ! Were they nearer t) materialise altogether. It was a lying

A GROUP OF MEN BEING COACHED IN ENGINE CONSTRUCTION AND DESIGN PREPARATORY TO THEIR

OFFERING THEMSELVES FOR THE ArMY SERVICE CORPS (MECHANICAL TRANSPORT) MOTOR SUPPLEMENT 271

THE NUMBER OF LADY DRIVERS IS CONSTANTLY ON THE INCREASE. ONE SEES THEM AT THE WHEEL OF EVEN THE BIGGEST CARS. HERE A LADY OWNER OF A DAIMLER IS SHOWN “ OWNER DRIVING ”

scheme of German trade frightfulness suggestion is given for what it is worth. and spying, and no self-respecting, It seems to be an excellent one. patriotic Englishman will ever consider German and Austrian tyres again even a e r o e n g i n e s It is as well that no at a throw-out price. In a way some of particulars are given in these concerns are still carrying on the Press as to where the large numbers business in this country. Slim methods of aeroplane engines are being made, nor have been brought to bear with a view the types nor powers. No great informa­ to maintaining the goodwills. After the tion is supplied to the enemy if we said war—can anyone doubt ?—we shall be that the great bulk is being manufactured treated to similar methods of obtaining in factories which, before the war, business. Well, the remedy is in the produced motor-cars pure and simple. hands of car owners themselves. A lot has been said and written on the By the way, the Avon people tell me enormous battle-planes now possessed by that they are keeping up the golf-ball the Germans. In point of fact, however, department in order not to throw out of the men here who might reasonably be employment a number of excellent supposed to know do not seem at all workers who would be useless in any worried. Germans have never been very other position. No profit is being made good originators so far as motors are on the balls at all, but the company is of concerned. It must be admitted that the opinion that golfers would do well several excellent makes of chassis have to keep these people still employed. been built in Germany. But for real They can do so by purchasing and using originality and cleverness in design the “ Avon ” balls. Apart from this the England, France, and Italy have a balls themselves are good value. There distinct lead. There need be little fear is no perished 1914 stock in hand; that the Allies cannot built better and every ball now offered for sale has been more powerful aero engines in a shorter made during the present year. The time than the enemy. 272 THE BADMINTON MAGAZINE

The tendency in aero engines as in arrangements to supply a limited number car units is towards a high-speed, high- of heavy chassis to private buyers under compression, high-efficiency unit in the certain conditions. One reads in the style of the racing engines used in announcement that this is due to modern car practice. The Sunbeam extended manufacturing facilities and company has had a long and successful not to any slackening of the supplies to experience in this class of work, and the the Allied Governments. Of course, the aero engines, both eight and twelve- company is possessed of a very fine cylinder, now being built are as good as works and organisation, as Napier owners any others in the world- know, but one naturally inclines to the And speaking of high-efficiency engines belief that everything has its limits. it is interesting to note that, in those The Napier limit has not been reached parts of the world where the war has as yet judging by this new departure. not stopped racing, the Sunbeam cars It would be interesting to know exactly are still proving their value as racers. how m any (a) commercial vehicles ; (b) In the “ Chicago Motor Derby,” a race shells ; (c) other war munitions ; (d) which it is hoped to make an event of staff cars ; (e) ambulances ; (/) repair national importance in the U.S.A., held cars, etc., etc., are now leaving the Acton for the first time in June, Sunbeam cars works every week. Perhaps Mr. Vane secured the second and fourth places, the will tell us—and perhaps he will not. driver of the first Sunbeam also securing But if a supply of commercial vehicles a special prize of £400 for the best time can be allocated to private buyers, how over the first 100 miles. long must we wait before works extensions will allow a few private cars It is pleasing to hear that to creep out for the private user ? This APIER Napiers have now made cannot be any military secret. NOTES AND NOVELTIES FOR THE SPORTSWOMAN

BY MRS. FLORENCE ROBERTS (“Butterfly”)

A Chronicle of Changes. Of course, however, the black evening T he woman who could resist the desire gown is still in favour and in fashion, for new clothes would indeed be more and supposing that it be well made and —or less !—than femininely human. well worn will always hold its own. So even those few who may make a But whether it be black or coloured faint outward show of resistance are, at the fashionable evening gown will surely heart, truly thankful for being thus be verv short, a still further abbreviation provided with excellent and indeed irresistible reasons for making pur­ chases of the fascinating new gowns and garments which are a real and rejuvenating tonic in these depressing days. What is more, too, the soldiermen home on all- too-brief leave from the strenuous life at the front would feel distinctly and rightly aggrieved if their womenfolk did not do honour to their return by donning their prettiest clothes. And it is for this reason, I am sure, that there is again a decided demand for smart evening dresses instead of the more subdued demi-toilettes which have done duty at dinners and theatres during the last six or eight months. Moreover, there seems to be a decided favour FOR THOSE WHO ARE NOT SUITED BY EITHER A PARISIAN for bright colours for the SMARTNESS OR A MILITARY SIMPLICITY OF STYLE, FASHION said evening gowns, and PROVIDES A FURTHER AND ABSOLUTELY CONTRASTING CHOICE OF OLD-WORLD PICTURESQUENESS IN THIS GOWN OF GRACE, OF one recent and thoroughly GAUZED TAFFETAS WITH A DEMURELY FOLDED FICHU— COLLAR typical order was for a OF WHITE CHIFFON, AND A BLACK VELVET BANDING AT THE WAIST creation of cerise silk brocaded with clusters of shining silver of skirts of all kinds being a striking, blossoms, and introducing into the not to say sensational, feature of the swathed waistband a fold of Saxe blue new Paris models, but more particularly satin. the afternoon and tailor-made varieties. 274 THE BADMINTON MAGAZINE

That they will require —and receive—some and sadly ungraceful and undignified and modification before they are accepted painfully self-conscious of the fact. by English wearers is therefore quite In addition to being thus specially certain, for though perhaps one woman short, some of these newest of skirts are stiffened at the hem by means of bands of horsehair introduced between the final hem of silk or fold of velvet or, in the case of evening gowns, of such filmy fabrics as chiffon and tulle and net, an edging of horsehair lace on one of the inner veilings or flounces will give quite a pretty finishing touch as well as the fashionable firmness of contour. Sleeves show a distinct and, in my opinion, a somewhat deplorable tendency towards elaboration of design and detail, and there are even significant signs of the revival of the “ leg-of-mutton ” variety ! Collars still, and fortunately, provide a chance for choice and comfort by being made almost as frequently with a deeply V-shaped opening in front as with a closely fastened banding or a high frilling of tulle to encircle the throat and frame the face. This kindly compromise on the part of Dame Fashion (and in the interests of those whose necks are not long and slender and whose faces not faultlessly oval and guiltless of even a suspicion of a double chin !) only applies to the daytime corsage and blouse, for every coat-collar is so shaped and so high that, when fastened up, it not only covers the whole of the neck and the chin but is ready to extend its protective covering to the ears—and even to the nose — and merely to allow a pair of bright eyes to peer out above the soft rampart of fur with particularly bewitching effect. As to fabrics, fine coating serges, and West of England covert coatings, velvet IN THIS NEWEST AND SMARTEST OF TAILOR- soft velour, and satiny face cloths, will MADES THE SWINGING FULNESS OF THE COAT MATCHES, AND EVEN RIVALS, THE “ FLARE ” all, in this order of precedence, be used OF THE ACCOMPANYING SKIRT for the making of tailored gowns and (at Dickms & Jones’s, Regent St., W.) coat and skirt costumes and wraps, navy in a thousand might manage to look blue greys, browns, and certain dark bewitching in skirts of a brevity which shadings of green and plum being the is really almost childish, the other nine colourings which will be generally chosen hundred and ninety-nine would be merely as being most smart and serviceable too. NOTES AND NOVELTIES FOR THE SPORTSWOMAN 275

Velvet will also have a great vogue For, of course, ribbon of such width for the smarter tailored suits, and will and such wonderful making attains to be responsible for many afternoon gowns, the importance of a material, and can, there being assured and continued favour too for crepe de Chine and crepe Georgette ninon, for net Marquisette and chiffon ; these latter and filmy fabrics being frequently used for the making of after­ noon gowns and then trimmed with wide bandings of silky braid and narrow edgings of fur. Taffetas will still have its share of favour and wearers, but it will have to face the serious and smart rivalry of satin-striped moire, gros-grain and ponlt- de-soie, these rich-looking but soft silks being often made still more decorative and important by a patterning of velvet stripes. For evening wear, too, the other fashionable extreme to the much favoured and filmy nets and ninons will be velvet brocades on a poult-de-soie ground, or shimmering satins and silks interwoven with metallic threads and then ablaze with a definite device of gold or silver blossoms.

R e v e l a t i o n s a b o u t R i b b o n s .

Then there is to be a veritable rage for ribbons it seems, and, literally, miles will be used for trimmings this season, ranging from a two-inch simplicity of taffetas or corded silk, for manipulation into a military-looking cocarde on a high-crowned, narrow-brimmed hat of panne or silk beaver, to the twelve or fourteen-inch wide blaze of beauty in gold tissue and brocaded velvet which is destined to be swathed about the waist, and over the hips, of a filmy tulle evening gown. The contrast in prices is, naturally, A STARTLING AND SIGNIFICANT CHANGE OF FASHION AND CONTOUR IS HERALDED BY THIS just as striking, and, while you need MODEL OF SATIN-STRIPED MOIRE, WITH ITS only spend something under a shilling OUTSPREADING BACK DRAPERIES,ITS STIFFENED for a yard of the simple silken hat SKIRT FOLDS, AND ITS ACCENTUATED WAIST LINE trimming, you must be prepared to (at D ickins & Jon es’ s, Regent S t., W.) devote, say, 35/9 to the acquisition of literally, be “ the making ” of a gown, exactly the same quantity of the shining and the saving of any and all other swathing for the gown. expenses in the way of trimming. 276 THE BADMINTON MAGAZINE

Imagine, for instance, what an effect in any slightest decrease of smartness or could be achieved by the use against a attractiveness in the new attire it makes softness of black, or deeply blue, or possible even in war-time. purple, tulle or chiffon, of a double So be it known to all of you that—to swathing of ribbon as supple as the begin in the blouse department—there filmier fabric but sumptuously rich in is one particular new Sports shirt which, its effect, the shimmer of gold showing without any desire to slight its many through buds and blossoms of velvet, quite admirable companions, seems to the soft “ bloom ” of some of their me to be the absolute ideal of such a petals being of so dark a purple as to garm ent. be almost black, others showing the For it is entirely simple and yet it brightness of bronze and flame, and achieves smartness by its perfect cut there being, still again, the most delicate and its patterning of stripes, and well of pinks and mauves and blues and as it looks on its first day of wearing, it touches of freshest green. Just at the will still so appear when it has gone edges, too, where there comes a final through the washing ordeal many times, border of plain gold galon, these velvet it being made in the “ Remino Cloth ” blossoms are scattered lightly, instead which does not shrink. Finally, it costs of being massed closely together, so that only 9 /6, there being another and rather between them you catch a glimpse of more broadly striped sports shirt at 10 /9 other softly shaded blossoms—patterned which you would be well advised to in the silk—and showing faintly and secure for alternate wear, and which fascinatingly through rippling lines of will, I am sure, commend itself to you gold. by reason, for one thing, of the really Truly, ribbon at its loveliest ! cute cut of its collar, which forms two points at either side and takes a A C e n t r e o f S m a r t n e s s . slight, but most becoming, curve down­ But these are generalities, and, though wards before fastening in front. The necessary and useful enough, as a reliable cuffs in their turn are of worthily new— foundation on which each one of you and also pointed—shaping, trimly held may erect the edifice of your new season’s in at the wrist by a buttoned tab, and outfit, you also need some definite details the slight fulness of the front is gathered and possibly too a word of guidance as into a narrow shoulder yoke. to where these latest and most satis­ If, however, you prefer a plain skirt factory examples of the new fashions you will find one, equally well cut, at may be found. 9/11, and others, too, which, being So, to serve both purposes equally perfectly tailored and made in a very well at one and the same time, I shall special quality crepe de Chine, are well just introduce to you some typical worth their rather higher price of 21 /9. novelties in a few of the many depart­ Sports apart, however, there is, at this ments at Dickins & Jones’s in Regent latter price, the daintiest blouse any Street—a centre of shopping and smart­ woman could wish to wear with her ness which is, of course, known to every simpler afternoon tailor-mades. For it woman by repute, but of which a close is of faintly flesh pink crepe de Chine with personal knowledge will prove both a narrow tie of black moire ribbon so profitable and pleasant. arranged beneath the down-turned collar For Dickins & Jones’s prices, let me that its opening can be graduated at assure you, are of a marked moderation will. which is most helpful in these times of So, you see, two or three purchases enforced and universal economy, more here will be a good start ; the next step particularly as it never reveals itself being, of course, to secure the most NOTES AND NOVELTIES FOR THE SPORTSWOMAN 277

necessary new tailor-made, of which then spread out into fulness. Its Dickins & Jones can show you such a material is a fine woollen twill, and goodly variety that to choose between its colour a deep warm brown, and, for them will be a matter of some time and trimming, there are bandings of a silky difficulty. black braid in graduated widths. So it But one model which will, I am sure, is all quite simple till you come to the make irresistible appeal is a semi-sports collar, which suddenly breaks out into a costume which, as its name suggests, is brightness of striped chenille—grey, rose conveniently and economically ready to pink, black, and brown—and a trimming adapt itself to wear on many different of buttons and tabs and loops of braid. occasions. Its material is a beautiful For it is by their collars that you will quality velour —warm, and light in first be able to recognise the models of weight, and wonderfully durable withal this season. —so herein is further guarantee of a good It is altogether an eminently smart return for an outlay of £6 18s. 6d. The suit, and if you are wise you will not coat fastens in front in three button- attempt to separate what the artist has through scallops beneath a collar which here joined together, but will proceed looks extremely well in any and all of to acquire, for the worthy completion its three possible and entirely different of the costume, that jaunty little velvet positions ; and big pockets are attached hat with the adornment of shimmering to the wide, loosely-fastened waist-belt coque feathers whose frequent presence in a way which makes them most on our millinery this season will be a decorative as well as practical additions. delicately implied compliment to our The skirt has sundry buttons and box- ally, Italy, and a compliment which we pleats to its well-cut credit, and the shall thoroughly enjoy paying, inasmuch whole thing is so trim, and so attractive, as this plumage is most decorative, and that you will buy it at sight, I know. durable too. Then, when you see the reality of that other and pictured tailor-made, you B ustle-like D raperies. . will be truly thankful that this first and So much at the moment for the tailor- most necessary provision for morning, mades, and next, as an example of the shopping, and country sports, and all aforementioned and complete changes travelling, has left you a good margin of contour which mark the more elaborate for a smartness which will do credit to silken and velvet and tulle creations of any and all trips to town, restaurant the afternoon and evening, you could lunches, afternoon calls, and so forth. not have anything better than that very For this is one of those newest of new striking gown of bottle green gros grain models where the swing and the fulness rather broadly striped with black satin. of the coat matches, and even rivals, These stripes are very cleverly arranged, the “ flare ” of the skirt, there being as you may see from the sketch, and little if any difference, I should say, they serve to accentuate the flare of the between the measurement of the one fan-like folds which spread outwards garment from shoulder to hem and of and then cascade downwards at either the other from waist to—or, rather, side of the back. There is a softening above !—the ankle. touch of ivory-toned lace inside the For, as I have already told you, the upstanding collar of the striped silk, and tailored skirts of this season are very, then a narrow banding of black velvet very short. ribbon about the bare throat in front, It is quite a contrast to the very long the decollete being indeed sufficiently and loose coats and those other models pronounced to warrant the wear of this which fit quite closely to the waist and gown at dinner or theatre, though it can 278 THE BADMINTON MAGAZINE be equally well adapted to smart after­ who manages to secure and wear this noon occasions. A narrow outer edging gown may be pleasantly sure of getting of skunk fur, and a broad inner banding full value for her money. of Saxe blue moire softened still further There are also some quite lovely by the veiling lace of the chemisette are evening gowns at Dickins & Jones’s, and

THE FASHION FOR FULNESS MAKES THE NEW FUR COATS PARTICULARLY PROTECTIVE AS WELL AS DECORATIVE WRAPS, THE COLLARS, BEING SO SHAPED THAT THEY CAN EXTEND THEIR COSY COVERING TO THE VERY TIP OF THE WEARER’S EARS AND NOSE, IF NEED BE ! (at D ickins & Jo n es’s, Regent Street, IF.) further details which help to make the these, as I have already pointed out, you bodice worthy of that most novel skirt. will be wanting again—and often—this So that, altogether, the first woman season. NOTES AND NOVELTIES FOR THE SPORTSWOMAN 279

So read and mark, and profit by, with a superb collar of skunk fur. The the story of a certain charming new shapes are equally fashionable, and so it model of white satin, whose veiling— is merely a question of whether you are and really enormous—fulness of black tall enough to carry off the double tulle is all edged and out-held by a band bandings of fur or whether the unbroken of black velvet which conceals a band lines of the other and plainer model of horsehair stiffening. will not give a welcome appearance of Filmy tulle sleeves are caught in by length to your figure. tasselled circlets of diamonds, and there Incidentally, too, there are dozens of is a quaint corselet corsage of turquoise other new shapes from which you can blue velvet with a twist of tulle at the make a choice, and I would further waist and a lacing of diamonds. Some advise your consideration of Dickins full-blown pink roses, again, are clustered and Jones’s prices for the animal stoles half against the vivid blue and half of racoon and fox and wolf which against the filmy black tulle ; another provide quite the most fashionable and, posey of flowers catching up the skirt incidentally, protective completion for folds rather towards one side at the back Autumn gowns and costumes. in a way whose coquetry is only spoiled So see what a lot of shopping you can a little by its suggestion of the possible do at the one place, and what a lot of (and dreaded) revival of the Bustle ! time and trouble, to say nothing of Flesh pink taffetas makes lovely money, you can save yourself thereby ! harmony too with Madonna blue tulle, T he Latest Gifts for the this latter and filmy fabric being called SOLDIERMEN. upon to bear the fashionable burden of a fur edging—smoked fox in this case— But enough of ourselves and our and some wonderful broideries in blue requirements in the way of clothes, for and silk being also a part of a scheme there is something new to chronicle— which makes one distinctly glad that and therefore, of course, to buy—for the evening gowns are to have a chance the soldierman to whom we can never again. give too much, or enough. As you might expect it comes from T he All-important F ur Coat. that indefatigable producer of novelties, And last, and perhaps most important J. C. Vickery of 177-183, Regent Street, of all, you should realise that it is at and it is going still further to increase Dickins & Jones’s that you can very his already enormous sales of the service advantageously secure the fur coat which, if you want to go through the winter in healthful comfort, you must needs add to your possessions, and within the month at that. The pictures should help you to do this, for they show models of such obvious smartness, and apparent costliness, that the revela­ tion of an actual and moderate price of 29 guineas for each one of these coats will come as such a pleasant surprise that it must quite decide you to start off to Regent Street forthwith. Both c - V lCK ER^ are made in fine quality seal musquash, THE BLACK DIAL WRIST-WATCH WHICH SHOWS THE TIME but while the first one is trimmed with CLEARLY AT TWILIGHT AS WELL AS BY DAY AND NIGHT black fox the second is just finished off (at J . C. V ickery's, Regent Street, W.) 280 THE BADMINTON MAGAZINE

Another thing which he will surely appreciate is the cleverly combined weatherproof matchbox and tinder- lighter. Very ingenious in its making, and convenient in its shaping with tapered ends, is that sterling silver map-measurer and compass which in addition to its valuable wartime uses, will be ready in the piping times of peace to do duty on pleasant motor runs. So that it will give good return for an outlay of two guineas, don’t you think ? And, also, Vickery’s have something quite new and exceedingly pretty in the way of the regimental badge brooch, which every woman who has the right is so glad and proud to wear. The coloured and carved badge is set in a crystal centre in this case and affixed to a gold safety-pin brooch—all for £3 15s. So th at if he is too far away to A CLEVERLY COMBINED AND CONVENIENTLY SHAPED MAP MEASURER AND COMPASS FOR choose a gift for you himself, you can ACTIVE SERVICE buy your badge brooch and wear (at J. C. Vickery's, Regent Street, W.) it till he comes and sees it—and wrist-watch which is, of course, a vital thanks you ! necessity for every soldier. For this watch, you must know, is not only, thanks to its luminous hands and figures, clearly visible at night, but also, and because of its black face, just as easily readable at twilight when the light is so uncertain and so bewildering. Where­ fore, as it possesses the further advantages of the best lever movement and an extra strong dustproof case, it is obviously fine value for THE COMBINATION OF WEATHERPROOF MATCHBOX AND TINDER- £2 10s. or £3 12s. 6d. in LIGHTER ENSURES A NEVER-FAILING LIGHT FOR THE SOLDIER silver, or £5 15s. in gold. (at J . C . Vickery's, Regent Street, W.)

A PRETTY NOVELTY IN BADGE BROOCHES (at J. C. Vickery’s, Regent Street, W.)