LATER.

Observer, Volume 7, Issue 237, 28 March 1885, Page 8

LATER.

I find, upon inquiry, that the savage whom I thought chased me this morning is one of a friendly tribe, and was bringing news of the conflict to camp. I was mightily scared, anyhow. All's well that ends well. Suakim, March 26, 1885. I visited Sir Garnet Wolseley last -.night. " Let me see," said he, when I was seated, do you know anyone in Auckland named Hurst?" " Yes," said I, "he is an arfcisfc." " Indeed ! Is he at all famous?" "Rather," I remarked, with a knowing smile and a wink^ like Greenwood when he wants to sell you a' junk of scoria land. "He is great on animals. He painted a Berkshire pig for the Agricultural Show." ' " For the Art Exhibition you mean, don't you ?" " No, my lord, for the Agricultural Show; but he was found out and disqualified." " Explain yourself," said he. I. hastened to do so, telling the whole of the old, old story with my usual gusto.

£ He laughed loudly. t "A fine artist," said he; "and evidently an enterprising speculator. By cable this morning he promises to forward me a sample -of his bonedust to experiment with on the of Sahara. He feels confident that the ;application of his manure will render the whole of that vast waste fertile."

It was my turn to laugh. I laughed. " But he is like a doctor," said I ; " doctors never take their own medicines, you know."

" You wouldn't have him swallow bonedust, would you ?"

had a good game of euchre. fc* His lordship is mighty tricky, but when lie found that I was up to his little dodges, .and a few more besides, he gave in. < Said he was losing money. I took my leave. Just as I was going out . I encountered the representative of the Star, ■who has just arrived. He said he wanted to interview Sir Garnet.

" He is inside," said I,

Anticipating some fun, I concealed myself in the folds of the tent, prepared to listen «,nd take notes. Full particulars in my next despatch.