"I come to Cowes," quoth the German Emperor right merrily, "as the
greatest compliment I can pay to JOHN BULL. But where are the Royal
carriages and Royal personages to receive me?" Admiral COMMERELL
steered himself along the main roads, and played the part of the
look-out man to perfection. "Nothing in the offing," he reported to
the Emperor. "I hope," returned His Imperial Majesty, with a smile,
"that this sort of thing doesn't offing happen." Everybody in
convulsions of laughter, which just filled up the time till the
appearance on the scene of the Duke of CONNAUGHT on the top of the
cabin, in the full uniform of a General of the Horse Marines. "You're
too punctual by half a minute," called out the Duke to the Admiral.
Then the Admiral piped his eye, and the Royalties lighted cigarettes.
"Here are the carriages! step in!" quoth the Duke. "Aha!" cried the
Emperor gaily, in his perfect English. "Here is the carriage and the
'oss, so now we shall be borne by the 'oss to _Os-borne_!" Every one
in convulsions, and amid roars of laughter the Duke and the Emperor
drove off.
* * * * *