Part 3

UNDER SECRETARY FOR COLONIES deprecated in public interest irregular discussion of question at present time. GORST, hampered by this responsibility, made curiously halting speech. BADEN-POWELL spoke "as one who had been in South Africa"; SQUIRE OF MALWOOD more gravely repeated SYDNEY BUXTON'S warning. Now was SILOMIO'S time. But before he could move PRINCE ARTHUR was on his feet, positively, with some commonplaces about respecting Ministerial responsibility, consenting to close the conversation!

SILOMIO gasped for breath; instinctively felt for his assegai; clutched at his notes dripping with the gore of SYDNEY BUXTON. When he had partially mastered his emotion the amendment was withdrawn and opportunity had fled.

"_Sic vos non vobis vellera fertis oves_," said PLUNKET soothingly. "But never mind. You remember that in the end VIRGIL got his own, and BATHYLIUS was basted." SILOMIO stared.

_Business done._--SILOMIO contrives a debate and others talk.

_Friday Night._--Policemen in lobby much startled by incident that preceded arrival of SPEAKER to resume sittings at nine o'clock. The steady tramp of a column in marching order broke on the ear. Came nearer and nearer from direction of dining-room; swinging doors flung open; Colonel of the Queen's Westminster Volunteers entered. Behind him, in close order, tramped something like score of members. At word of command they took half turn to right and passed into House, as in earlier days another British column swung through the gates of Delhi.

Ten minutes later, more than half the force were observed to come out of the House, look furtively round, and dash off in various directions, some to smoking-room, some to reading-room, and some clear off the premises. But they had done their appointed work, and HOWARD VINCENT, an old campaigner, had secured opportunity for delivering his speech on hostile tariffs and bounties.

Grave doubt at morning sitting whether House could be made for the alluring joy. VINCENT took up position in lobby much as recruiting-sergeant shows himself near Trafalgar Square. Accosted all Members passing by. Offered them free rations and front seats for the lecture if they would stay. Soon picked up enough men to reduce chances of count out. Dinner, I am told, a little exciting, especially towards the end. Several Members discovered straying towards the door. But the ex-captain, of the Royal Berks Militia not to be trifled with. Kept them together past the cheese; delivered every man in the House one minute and thirty seconds before the SPEAKER took the Chair. If any skulked out when the Colonel was once embarked on his lecture he, of course, couldn't interfere. But they mustn't suppose their departure wasn't marked. No more free rations for them.

_Business done._--By reason of CAWMELL-BANNERMAN'S great persuasiveness men and money for Army voted at morning sitting.

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SEASIDE MEM.--The Society recently started to abolish Tide-houses will not include Bathing Machines within the scope of its operations.

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Trancriber's note:

Greek letters are indicated with @a@