EDITOR'S WALLET. A King's Earnings.

Otago Witness, Issue 1901, 17 July 1890, Page 42

EDITOR'S WALLET.

A King's Earnings.

King Victor Emmanuel of Italy was in his youth a keen sportsman and a fine shot. One day, having wandered away from his party, he was returning by an isolated road from a hunting expedition. He espied a covey of partridges in a copse near by, and raising his fowling piece he killed a brace at a shot.

A peasant who had been watching him attentively now hurriedly crossed the road and halting him said :

"That was well done. Whosoever you are you know how to handle a gun."

"I'm glad you think so," responded the King, laughing.

" I only wish you could shoot a fox who is robbing me, one by one, of all the fowls in my barnyard."

" Well, perhaps I can. I'll see what I can do for you."

"If you kill that fox," eaid the peasant, impressively, " I'll give you two lira " (about Is 8d).

"Very well. I'll bring my dogs and be here to-morrow."

" Will you give me your hand on it ? " said the farmer, extending his horny digits. The King gave him his hand, and was punctual to the hour appointed on the following day. The fox was on hand, too, but King Victor's sure aim brought reynard's career to a sudden end.

His Majesty hastened to the farmer with his prize.

"Seel" he called out, "now you owe me two lira."

" You shall have it. You have earned it," answered the delighted farmer cordially.

The King looked curiously at the coins as they were handed to him.

" Only to think," he muttered to himself, " that this is the first money I ever earned."

The following day the peasant's wife received a present of a gown, a necklace, and a pair of earrings. Then it was that the farmer learned who it was he ha 3 hired to kill his fox. — St. Louis Republic.