Never used), and a sergeant with a
large card to prick off each head of game, not as it fell to
the gun, but only after it was picked up. This conscientious
scoring amused me greatly; for, as it chanced, my bag was a
heavy one, and the Emperor's marker sent constant messages to
mine to compare notes, and so arrange, as it transpired, to
keep His Majesty at the top of the score.
About half-past one we reached a clearing where DEJEUNER was
awaiting us. The scene presented was striking. Around a
tent in which every delicacy was spread out were numbers of
little charcoal fires, where a still greater number of cooks
in white caps and jackets were preparing dainty dishes; while
the Imperial footmen bustling about brightened the picture
with colour. After coffee all the cards were brought to his
Majesty. When he had scanned them, he said to me across the
table:
'I congratulate you, Mr. Coke, upon having killed the most.'
My answer was, 'After you, Sir.'
'Yes,' said he, giving his moustache an upward twist, but
with perfect gravity, 'I always kill the most.'
Just then the Empress and the whole court drove up.
Presently she came into the tent and, addressing her husband,
exclaimed:
