264 HIGHLAND SPORT 



party of six on the well-known Cashbucket shootings. From 

 the day the company assembled at Cashbucket House all went 

 well, for the sport was excellent, while to add to the perfection 

 of the thing, Mr. Bagge had hired a fine steam yacht — for the 

 house was on the seashore — and in her were spent many happy 

 "off" days by those too tired to shoot. An ancient billiard 

 table helped to pass the evenings merrily, while as Bagge with 

 two of the party were extra good hands at the game, numerous 

 were the matches that were played, the host always insisting, 

 however, on the stakes being limited to half-crowns. 



" Anything higher," said he, " spoils harmony, for if once we 

 begin to increase, we never can tell where it will end, and as some 

 years ago I myself was a very heavy loser under a nearly similar 

 arrangement to the present one, I should indeed be distressed by 

 a recurrence of any such unpleasantness under my own roof." 



With such sentiments it was impossible to quarrel, while as 

 far as Mr. Bagge was concerned, the wisdom of his decision 

 was clear, for although a good player, he was not quite a match 

 for either of the others, so while obstinately refusing to accept 

 the points freely offered him, he usually lost with good grace a 

 few half-crowns each evening. Five weeks of the time had 

 flown happily away, and but one more week remained, when 

 the whole party, having become mutually pleased with each 

 other, agreed to re-assemble next year. After dinner that day 

 Mr. Bagge expressed his pleasure at hearing of this decision, 

 and rising to his feet, said — 



" Now, gentlemen, although I feel very much flattered at 

 your wishing to return, while I need not say how glad I am 

 to have the chance of keeping such a pleasant party together, 

 you must all know I cannot afford to keep this place up on my 

 own hook, therefore, if you are determined to come again, I 

 should like to be able to continue our present staff of keepers 

 and kennel of dogs ; also I should wish to spend a few pounds 

 on improvements, especially in putting up better driving butts 

 and procuring a few brace of grouse to change the blood ; so 



