ANOTHER HOAX. 291 



dish with a cover over it was placed before the 

 host. 



" I wish," said MyttoD, addressing his clerical 

 friend, " you would kindly carve the pheasants. 

 I sprained my wrist out hunting last week, and 

 if I attempt the job, it will be a case of 

 ' mano-lino; done here.' " 



The dish was removed and placed before 

 the clergyman, and upon the cover being taken 

 off, great was the delight and surprise of the 

 victim to find his purse and watch occupy- 

 ing the place of the far-famed bird of 

 Colchis. 



An angry look at the perpetrator of this 

 practical joke was soon transformed into a 

 smile, for the delight of recovering the watch 

 made him ample compensation for the anxiety 

 of mind he had sufi'ered. 



A hoax similar in some degree was practised 

 in France on the Baron de Bezenval. 



This well-known nobleman was in 1788 on 

 a visit at the house of M. de Bercheni, beyond 

 La Ferte-sous-Jouare, an estate now belonging 

 to the family of Castellane. It was the latter 

 end of Autumn. Some bold poachers already 

 disturbed the sport. The wind blew violently, 

 and strewed the ground with leaves ; the morn- 



u 2 



