[All Bights Reserved.] CHAPTER XXII. The End of the Match.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXII, Issue 6644, 20 October 1888, Page 4

[All Bights Reserved.] CHAPTER XXII. The End of the Match.

They began the afternoon with several small drives, but on the whole the birds did verr badly. They broke back, went off to one side or the other, and generally misbehaved themselves. In the first drive the Colonel and Edward Cossey got a bird each. In the second drive the latter got three birds, firing five shots, and his antagonist only got a hare and a pheasant that jumped out of a ditch, neither of which, of course, counted anything. Only one brace of birds came hia way at all, but if the truth mußt he told, ho was talking to Ida at the moment and did not see them till too late. Then came a longer drive when the birds were pretty plentiful. The Colonel got one, a low-flying Frenchman, which he killed as ho topped tho fence, and after that for tho lifo of him he could not touch a feather. Every sportsman knows what a fatal thing it is to begin to miss and then get nervous, and that was what happened to the Colonel. Continually there came distant cries of "Mark! mark! over!" followed by the apparition of half-a-dozen brown balls showing clear against the grey autumn sky and sweeping down towards him like lightning. Whizz in front, overhead and behind ; bang, bang; bang — again with, the second gun, and they were away— vanished, gone, leaving nothing but a memory behind them. The ColoDel swore beneath his breath, and Ida, kneeling at hia side, sighed audibly; but it was of no use, and presently the drive was done, and there he was with one wretched French partridge to show for it. Ida said nothing, but she looked volumes, and if ever a man felt humiliated, Harold Qjaayitoh was that man. She had set hor heart upon his winning tho match, and he was making an exhibition of himself that might have caused a schoolboy to blush. Only Edward Cossey smiled grimly as he told Ms bearer to give the two and a half brace which he had Bhot to George. ''Last drive this next gentlemen," said that universal functionary as no surveyed the Colonel's ono Frenchman, and then glancing sadly at the tell-tale pile of empty cartridge cases, added "You'll have to shoot ■up, Colonel, this time, if you are going to win them gloves for Miss Ida. Mr Cossev has knocked up four brace and a half, and you have only got a brace. Look you here, sir," he went on, in a portentous whisper, "keep forrard of them, well forrard, fire ahead, and down they'll come. You're a better shot than he is a long way ; you could give him Turds,' sir, that you could, and beat him."

Harold said nothing. He was sorely tempted to mate excuses, as any man would havo been, and he might with truth have urged that ho was not accustomed to partridge driving, and that one of the guns was new to him. But he resisted manfully and said never a word.

George placed the two guns, and then went off to joia the beaters. It was a capital spot for a drive, for on each sido wero young larch plantations, sloping down towards then like a T, tho gnns being at the narrow end, and level with the ends of the plantations, which were at this spot about a hundred and twenty yards apart. In front was a largo stretch of open fields, lying in such a fashion that the birds wore bound to fly straight over the guns, and between tho gap at the end of the V shaped covers. They had to wait a long while, for the beat was of considerable extent, and this they did in silence, till presently a couple of single birds appeared coming down the wind like lightning, fora stiffish breeze had sprung up. One went to tho left over Edward Cossey's head, and he shot it very neatly, but tho other, catching sight of Harold's hat beneath tho fence, which was not a very high one, swerved and crossed, an almost impossible shot, nearer sixty than fifty yards from him.

"Now," said Ida. and he fired, and to his joy down came the bird with a thud, bounding full two feet into the air with tho force of its impact, being indeed shot through the head.

"That's better," said Ida, and she handed the second gun. Another moment and a covey came over, high up. He fired both barrels and got a right and left, and snatching the second gun Bent another barrel after them, hitting a third bird, which did not fall. And then a noble enthusiasm and certainty possessed him, and he knew that he should miss no more. Nor did he. With two almost impossible exceptions ho dropped every bird that drive. But his crowning glory, a thing whereof he still often dreams, was yet to come.

Ho had killed four brace of partrigo and fired twelve times, when at last the beatsrs made their appearance about two hundred yards way at the further end of rather dirty barley stubble. "I think that is tho lot." he said, "I'm afraid that 'you have loßt your gloves, Ida." Scarcely were tho words out of his mouth when there was a yell of "mark," and_ a strong covey of birds appeared swooping down tho wind right on to him.

On they camo, Boattered and rather "stringy," and Harold gripped his gun and drew a deep breath, whilo Ida, kneoling at his side, her lips apart, and her beautiful eyes wido open, watched their advent through a" space in tho hedge. Lovely enough she looked to charm the heart of any man, if a man out partridgo driving could descond to such frivolity, which we hold to be imposßible.

Now is the moment. The leading brace are something ovor nfty_ yards away, and ho knows full well that if there is to bo a chance left for the second gun ho must shoot before they are five yards nearer.

"Bang," down comes the old cock bird ; "bang," and his mate follows him, falling with a smash into the fence.

Quick as light Ida takes the empty gun with one hand and pasßes him tho cocked and loaded ono with the other. "Bang." Another bird topples head first out of the thinned covey. They are noarly sixtyyards away now. "Bang" again, and oh, joy and wondor ! the la6t bird turns right over backwards, and falls dead as a stone some seventy paces from the muzzle of the gun. Ho had killed four birds out of a single driven covey, which as shooters well know is a feat not often done even by the best driving shots. "Bravo," said Ida, "I was sure that you could shoot if you chose." "Yes," ho answered, "it was pretty good work ;" and lie commenced collecting the birds, for by this time the beaters wore acroßs tho field. They were all dead, not a runner in the lot, and there were exactly six brace of them. Just as ho picked up tho last, George arrived, followed by Edward Cossey. "Well I never," eaid the former, while something resembling a smile stolo over his melancholy countcnanco, "that's tho mastercst bit of shooting that ever I did see. ] ord Walsingham couldn't beat that himself — eixteon ompty eases and twelve birds picked lip. Why," and he turned to Edward, "bless me, sir, if I don't believe the Colonel has won them gloves for Miss Ida after all. Let's see, sir, you got two brace this last drive and one tho first, and a Icaah tho second, and two brace and a half tho third, six and a half brace in all. And the colonel, yes, ho has seven brace, ono bird to the good." "There, Mr Cossoy," said Ida, smiling ■sweetly, "I havo won my gloves. Mind you don't forgot to pay them." "Oh, I will not forget, Miss do la Molle," said he, smiling also, but not too prettily. "I suppose," he said, addressing the Colonel, "that that last covey twisted up and you browned them." "No," ho answered quietly, 'all four were clear shots."

Mr Cossey smiled again an incredulous Bmile, which somehow sont Harold Quaritch'6 blood leaping|through his veins more quickly than was good for him, and turned away to hide his vexation, Edward Coßsey would rather havo lost a thousand pounds than his adversary should have got that extra bird, for not only was he a jealous shot, but ho knew perfectly well that Ida was anxious that he should lose, and desired above all things to Bee him humiliated. And then he,

the smartest shot within ten miles round, to be beaten by a middle-aged soldior shooting with a strange gun, and totally unaccustomed to driving! Why, the story would bo told over tho country, George would sco to that. His anger was so great when he thought of it, that afraid of making himself ridiculous, without another word, he set off with his bearer towards the Castle, leaving the others to follow.

Ida looked after him and smiled. "Ho is so conceited," she said ; "ho cannot bear to be beaten at anything." "I think that you are rather|hard on him," said the Colonel, for tho joko had an unpleasant side which jarred on him. "At any rate," she answered, with a little stamp, "it is not for you to say so. If you disliked him as much as I do you would be hard 'on him, too. Besides, I daresay that his turn'is coming." The Colonel winced, as well he might, but looking at her handsome face, set just now like steel at the thought of what the future might bring forth, ho reflected that if Edward Cossey's turn did come he was by no means sure that the ultimate triumph would rest with him. Ida de la Molle, to whatever extent her sense of honour and monoy indebtedness might carry her, was no butterfly to bo broken on a wheel, but a woman whose dislike and anger, or, worse still, whose cold, unvarying disdain, was Ja thing from which tho boldest hearted man might shrink aghast. Nothing moro was said on tho subject and they began to talk/though somewhat constrainedly, about indifferent matters. They were both aware that it was a farce, and that they were playing a part, for beneath the external ice of formalities tho river of their devotion ran whither thoy knew not. All that had boon mado clear to them a few nights back. But what will you have? Necessity overriding their desires, compelled them along tho path of self-denial, and, liko wise folk, they recognised the fact : for thore is nothing more painful in the world than tho outburst of hopeless affection.

(To bo Continued.)

The followtna appewed in our Second Edition of yesterday.

(By Electric Telegraph— Copyright.) (Per United Press Association.)

London, October 18— Tho Times this morning has an articlo on the case of Ah Foy versus Collector of Customs recently decided in Melbourne. The paper congratulates tho Australians on the judgment of tho Appeal Court, which was in favour of plaintiff, and declares that all lovers of international fair play will rejoice at the result, as it is conclusive evidence that the unreasonable excitement of some Australian politicians is not shared by the people. The articlo recommends America to imitate tho colonies and mete out justice to the Chinese

The unveiling of the statue erected in honour of General Gordon was attended with very little ceremony, and the press generally characterise the conduct of tho committee as Bhabby in not making a popular demonstration. Mr D. R. Plunkett, in defending the action of tho committee, declares that silenco was necessary in view of tho fact that tho Socialists would undoubtedly have availed themselves of the opportunity to hold a demonstration, and unpleasant complications might have arisen. Athens, October 18— It is generally believed that King Georgo will abdicate tho throno in favour of his son Prince Constantine, Duko of Sparta, on the letter's marriage with Sophia, third daughter of tho late Emperor Fredorick of Germany. Teheban, October 18— It is expected that the Czar of Russia and Shah of Persia will shortly meet at Bakir, a town in tho lieutenancy of Caucasus on the Caspian Sea.

San Francisco, October 18 — Tho steamer Respigadora, Australian trader, has been totally wrecked near San Pedro, Southern California.

Sydney, October 19.— Tho Hon Wm. Clarke, Minister of Justice, denies that he gave the prisoner Holt any hope of his sentence being commuted, and in denial is supported by the statement of the gaoler. Melbourne, October 19. — The Jubileo Conference in connection with tho Congregational Union, has concluded its sittings. It was decided that the first meeting of the Union should bo held in Sydney, and the Roy Mr Price, of Launceston, was elected first chairman.

Speculation on the Cnulfield Cup is becoming more exciting, £5000 to £500 has been taken about tho Charmer, and subsequently 100 to 14 was taken and offered. Locksley has be supported for £5000 at 100 to 7. Touehstono is being heavily backed. A good sum been written about biin at 100 to 8. Spado Guinea and Plutarch are quoted at 10 to 1. Chicago has hardened at 100 to 8. 1000 to 60 has been token about Crown Brand. Pakeha is quoted at tho samo price.

AUCKLAND.

October 12.

At a meeting of tho Bank of New Zoaland nt noon to-day, Mr Georgo Buckley in tho chair, tho resolutions passed tit tho special general meeting of the 11th instant were confirmed unammously,no discussion taking place.

Tho proposal to teach swimming to the pubils at the Boys' School is being enthusiastically taken up by tho second master, Mr D. C. Strachan.

It is understood that tho appointment of inspector of material for tho colony at Home will bo offered to Mr Bluckett, Enginecr-in-Chief. Tho abolition of ihoNativo Depaitment takes place in a few days, and among reforms to bo effected will be an increaso in tho number of Land Cour*. Judges, and a revision of tho sjstem of procedure

Tho jurors in tho Grant v Manawatu Road Board left by train this afternoon to view tho locality. They return to-morrow night. The Naih v Rangitikei County Council case is adjourned till Tuesday.

Tho Hawera Star says that it is reported that the appointment of Major Kemp to sit on tho arbitration casos under tho West Coast Settlement Reserve Act, is very unpopular with tho natives interested, nnd that thoy resent adjudication upon their lnnds by a chief who tho last time thoy bbw him was leading tho kupapas against thorn.

Great dissatisfaction has boon expressed at the applicants for land in this district having to go to Wellington to stand the ballot for their Bections. Even whore they succeed the expense is equal to half a year's rent in many cuses. Thero was nothing to prevent thoballot taking place in Wanganui. The centralists tendencies of tho present Government show no regard for either the convenioncies or economics of the people.

The Wild Wave arrived at tho wharf this morning from Newcastlo with a cargo of hardwood for tho Railway Department. She left on the 14th September, and experienced light and moderate winds till tho 29th when she sighted Wanganui. She waited for spring tides to tho Ist October, and then not caring to take tho bar left for Guard's Bay, whero she remained till tho 17th. She arrived off tho bar at midnight on Thursday and took tho bar at high tido Bailing across and up over tho flats without difficulty. This is Captain Davis' first visit to Wanganui, but tho vessel hnß been hero twico before.

The latest reports from the work at the Heads, undertaken by Mr Thatcher, are of tho most gratifying character, indicating triumph over difficulties which at one time appeared almost insurmountable It was the piecing of tho scrub work into tho scattered rubble work thut entailed so much loss of time nnd seemed to cast doubt on the scheme. Then the scour of the tido round tho end of the wall and among the stones, with unfavourable winds carrying away tho bank, prevented a start from being inado, and destroyed tho mattresses of scrub almost as soon as they wero placed. Mr Thatcher, not to bo beaten, laid a layer of scrub somo distance away from the stones, of about sii feet in width, and it stood out a heavy gnlc, a fresh in tho river, and an unusunlly high tide, without being touched. Tho thickness of tho' wall is 20 feet, and, when complete, will be irresistible Tho work has now been successfully oxtonded to tho very end of the stone breukwutor, and there is no longer any doubt of tho comploto success of tliu scheme Mr Thatcher has shown great courugoaml determination, not losing heart for a moment when his work was carried away, but going at it again until success crowned his efforts. The sinking of piles for tho wliolo length, of tho contract (200 feet) will be commenced on Monday. E>cry day now is likely to show satisfactory progress, and demonstrate tho pmctibility of tho scheme.

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