72 Sportsmen Parsons in Peace and War 



altogether and fell into the midst of those greeting him. The 

 cries of horror and anguish that arose made one fear that the 

 Prince or someone had been seriously hurt, but in a moment 

 or two he was on his feet again, being smoothed down and 

 smiling quite happily, his fall having been broken by the crowd 

 of officials. 



What impressed itself undyingly on my memory was that 

 everyone had his hat in his hand before the fall, everyone 

 dropped his hat during the faU, and nobody could find the right 

 hat after the fall. It was what a music-hall artist would 

 technically describe as " Funny business with hat." The 

 hobble-skirt days made French platforms even more incon- 

 venient. 



Parson Burnaby is a great dog-lover, Dandie-Dinmonts 

 being perhaps his favourites ; he was especially devoted to a 

 couple of pedigree dogs of that breed named " Joe " and 

 " Susie." " Joe's " kennel-name was " Mr. Smith " ; he was 

 son of the famous " Tartan King," and a winner of many prizes. 

 Another great friend was a pomeranian, who managed once 

 to escape from the train while travelling with his master 

 in France, and was of course missed at the journey's end. 

 Mr. Burnaby at once retraced his journey, keeping a sharp 

 look-out from the railway carriage windows as he went along. 

 Luckily he saw the dog running about the road near the line, 

 and getting out at the next station, recaptured his pet and 

 together they went on their way rejoicing, both having been 

 miserable while parted. 



Some amusing stories are told by Mr. Burnaby of his uncle, 

 Mr. Harry Villebois, whom I have already mentioned ; he 

 appears to have been a most kind-hearted man, and a little 

 peculiar, after the fashion of those times. His house was one of 

 the finest in Belgrave Square, and the scenes of many balls and 

 dinners to Royalty, while his suppers were one of the features 

 of the season. Mr. Burnaby was often invited there to luncheon 

 on Sundays, and has arrived to find seated in the hall a motley 

 company consisting of a policeman, a crossing -sweeper, a link- 

 man and an old cabman, with his uncle personally ministering 

 to their wants with provisions, assisted by three flunkies in 

 powdered wigs and plush knee-breeches. 



Mr. Burnaby 's great-uncle, Mr. Truman Villebois, was equally 



