A "Mark Twain" Story

Horowhenua Chronicle, 26 April 1910, Page 4

A "Mark Twain" Story

Mr Andrew Ohatto, who possessed the distinction of being Mark Twain's publisher, wrote to the former that the sleuth-hounds of the income tax were on his track. They wanted Mark to contribute to the support of the British Empire, and Mark Twain replied in a very humorous letter that the British Government had got into trouble before by demanding taxes from America, and ho did not wish to embroil t<wo nations in a bitter war again on the same subject. Besides, he said, lie was acquainted with the Prince of Wales, who doubtless remembered him, as once, while 011 top of a '.bus in the Strand, he passed the Prince at the head of a procession. He expressed the belief that the Prince would have little difficulty in remembering him, as he was 011 the front seat of the 'bus, in a grey overcoat with black buttons. This letter was after-wards published in "HaJ-per's Monthly/' and some years later, when Mark Twain arrived at Homburg, he was introduced to the Prince of Wales. It is alleged that tlie following colloquy ensued • — "You haven't changed much, .Mr Clemens," said the Prince. "Changed P" replied Twain, with surprise. "Why, you have never seen me before, sir?" "Oh, yes, don't you remember? You were on top of a 'bus in a grey coat and I was at the head of a procession!"