The Emperor and the Baron.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXVI, Issue II, 12 January 1901, Page 59

The Emperor and the Baron.

What was possibly Louis Napoleon's only joke after becoming Emperor of the French was made at the expense of Baron X., a handsome and dashing fellow, who was wonderfully fond of horses and driving. Having once taken it into his head to drive a mail coaeh drawn by six spanking horses through the Rue Royale and along the Champs Elysees, he was discreetly notified that the Emperor alone was entitled to indulge in the truly imperial luxury of a six-horse equipage. “Very good,” said the Baron. “I will make other arrangements.” He kept his word. Shortly afterwards the Parisians were astounded to see the Baron gayly tooling along the Champs Elysees on the identical mail coach, drawn by four very small horses and two very large donkeys. This so incensed the imperial court authorities that the master of the horse mentioned the matter to Napoleon, with whom the Baron was rather u favourite. “Let the Baron attend at my Cabinet to-morrow at eleven,” said the Emperor. Punctually at eleven the intrepid sportsman was ushered into the Emperor's Cabinet, where he was cordially received. After some general conversation Napoleon saldtl “I hear, Baron, that you are infringing cnnrt etiquette by driving through* Paris with six horses, and then with four horses aad three donkeys.” “Only two donkeys, sire,” respectfully insinuated the Baron, who did not feel comfortable, despite his habitual audacity and recklessness. “But there were three donkeys in the affair,” insisted Napoleon. “Mille pardoxS,

sire: I fear your Majesty has been misinformed. Four horses and two donkeys.” “But,” said the Emperor, with a quizzical stnile. “you forget the One ou the box.” From that day forth the Barca contented himself with a more modest equipage. — Chicago “Chronicle."