That Saturday’s doings were delightful.  I was absolutely deafened with the cheering.

That it is very pleasant to be so well received, especially when, three years ago, I was generally snubbed and treated as a nobody.

* * * * *

THE BUSY BISLEY.

    SCENE—­Within measurable distance of Waking.  Enter Lounger
    and Marksman, R. and L.

Lounger (heartily).  Why, I am glad to see you!  And how are things going on?

Marksman (cordially, but abruptly).  Capitally!  Good-bye!

Loung. But I say, what a hurry you are in!  Can’t you stop a minute for a chat?

Marks. Another time, but just now moments are precious.

Loung. But I say, you see I have found myself here—­it doesn’t take much longer than getting down to Wimbledon.

Marks. Of course it doesn’t—­whoever said it did?  But there, old chap, I must be off!

Loung. You are in a hurry!  Ah, we used to have pleasant days in the old place?

Marks. Did we?  I daresay we did.

Loung. Why, of course!  Grand old days!  Don’t you remember what fun it used to be decorating your tent; and then, when the ladies came down—­which they did nearly all the day long—­what larks it was getting them tea and claret-cup?

Marks. Very likely.  But we don’t have many ladies now, and a good job too—­they are a bore.

Loung. Well, you are a chap!  Why, how can there be any fun without your sisters, and your cousins, and your maiden aunts?

Marks. We don’t want fun.  But there, good-bye!

Loung. But I say, I have come all this way to look you up.

Marks. (unbending).  Very kind of you, but, my dear fellow, you have chosen rather an unfortunate time.

Loung. Why, at Wimbledon you had nothing to do!

Marks. Very likely.  But then Bisley isn’t Wimbledon.

Loung. (dryly).  So it seems.  Everyone said that, when they moved the camp further away from home, they would ruin the meeting.

Marks. Then everyone was wrong.  Why, we are going on swimmingly.

Loung. It must be beastly dull.

Marks. Not at all.  Lovely country, good range, and, after it rains, two minutes later it is dry as bone.

Loung. Yes, but it stands to reason that it can’t be as popular as Wimbledon.

Marks. My dear fellow, figures are the best test of that.  In all the history of the Association we have never had more entries than this year.

Loung. That may be, but you don’t have half the fun you had nearer town.

Marks. (laughing).  Don’t want to!  Business, my dear fellow, not pleasure!  And now, old man, I really must be off!  Ta, ta!  See you later. [Exit.