It was then that the fun began.  The Officer went off like a shot up the hillside, started the old cock, chased him up the ditch and through the hedge, and finally, to everyone’s surprise and delight, collared him in a corner of the dyke.  There were loud cheers from the enthusiastic crowd, but they were cut short by a sharp warning from Walter.

“Be careful how you handle that bird, Sir!” he cried.  “If anything happens to him I shall hold you responsible.  I have no reason to believe that you hold a licence (or certificate) to kill game.  If he suffers a mortal injury I shall report you.”

The Officer began to look rather bewildered and the old cock flapped his wings.

“I’ll thank you for that bird,” said Walter firmly, and he took it and tucked it comfortably under his arm.

“What are you going to do with it?” asked the Officer.

“I am going to nurse it back to health and strength,” said Walter.  “It only requires a little close attention.  I shall be happy if you will call in about a week’s time to enquire.  Good afternoon.  I am very pleased to have met you.”  And Walter held out his hand.

Well, that is where the matter rests.  If Walter can keep the bird alive the case against him falls to the ground.  If not, I suppose it means a three-pound licence and a ten-pound fine.  He took him straight back to the Home Farm and secured for him dry and airy quarters in the poultry run, and did not leave him till he had seen to his comfort in every way and given minute directions as to his treatment....

I am afraid the old cock passed a rather restless night, but he was able to take part of a warm mash, with two drops of laudanum in it, at an early hour this morning.  At this moment I hear Walter getting out his motor-bicycle.  I fancy he is going for the vet.

* * * * *

Says Mr. CLEMENT SHORTER:—­

    “There is a journal in London which has the impertinence to
    call itself The Nation, but ... it does not represent the
    merest fraction of our countrymen.”

Mr. SHORTER’s own paper is called, more modestly, The Sphere.

* * * * *

[Illustration:  THE FUTURE OF BRITISH BOXING.

Rough (to policeman who has knocked him down).  “WELL, IT’S WORF IT.  TO ME BELONGS THE CREDIT OF ‘AVIN’ DISCOVERED A BLOOMIN’ WHITE ’OPE.”]

* * * * *

[Illustration:  GETTING USED TO THE “SMILING EXPRESSION.”

OUR SUGGESTION FOR A SYSTEM OF ADVANCED PHYSICAL TRAINING FOR PRUSSIAN OFFICERS BEFORE TAKING UP COMMANDS IN THE ALSATIAN DISTRICT, WHERE THE POPULACE IS SAID TO BE ADDICTED TO HUMOUR.]

* * * * *

OLD FRIENDS.

I was in the train because I had to go to Birmingham; I was in the dining car because I had to dine.  With all respect to the Company I cannot pretend that I regarded myself as doing anything remarkable or distinguished.  The little man opposite me, however, felt differently.  I have since been told that they of Birmingham are very proud of their non-stop train service by both routes.