Boxen: Childhood Chronicles Before Narnia

‘Have you heard anything about this movement against the Clique?’

‘Er – yes m’lord.’

‘Well, you are a Walterian?’

‘I think so M’Lord.’

‘Well you know Captain Green?’

‘Yes m’Lord.’

‘Well could you assist me in watching him?’

‘I could not, m’lord,’ cried Macgoullah who was thoroughly sick of the business. ‘You’ll have to get up very early to get the better of Green.’

‘Then, you won’t help me?’

‘I’m afraid I can’t,’ replied the sailor, honestly disstressed at the other’s dissapointment.

VII

On the evening of the eventful Saturday, their Majesties were turning Riverside Palace upside down in their preparations for The Owl’s select supper party. They forgot it till they had only quarter of an hour to dress: however after almost superhuman efforts they got into their car in time. After a short drive they stopped outsides Puddiphat’s magnificent townhouse. Stepping out, they were shown into a cloak room crowded with guests, talking in subdued tones & brushing hair & trowsers. For some time they stood politely pushing each other to the door. At last Pig made a bold sally & walked with a large following to the reception-room.

‘My dear Puddiphat!’

‘Delighted Mr Vant. Evening Waggon: you know Reggie the cod – no? Mr Vant – Mr Waggon.’

The bird was resplendent in his evening dress & piqué shirt. He moved off.

‘Why your Majesties. I am much honored.’

Presently Phyllis Legrange walked up.

‘Good evening Miss Legrange. You have never met their Majesties? His Majesty King Benjamen – Miss Legrange etc. Take the rest said.’

‘Good evening,’ said Bunny nervously, ‘Er – have you been to Sangaletto?’

‘No,’ replied Miss Legrange, ‘I never go to operas.’

‘I hate them,’ said the rabbit, feeling it was what he should say.

‘Oh Your Majesty! That’s very bad taste.’

Then they both laughed politely.

Meanwhile the host was busy elsewhere. ‘My dear Beetle!’ he said to Hedges, ‘How are the railways? Hullo Chutney. Good evening Miss Leroy. Colonel Chutney – Miss Leroy. Miss Leroy – Colonel Chutney. Why there’s Fortescue. How’s trade? Have you heard Sangaletto? No? – Oh you should.’

‘Who’s singing Sangaletto himself?’ inquired the ’jah who had come up.

‘Vön Oscar Wûlles. He’s awfully good your Majesty. I suppose you’re going?’

‘’Fraid so,’ said the monarch.

‘Why,’ broke out the Owl, ‘Don’t you know Miss Leroy?’

‘Oh yes,’ said the Rajah, ‘I had the pleasure of being introduced at Chutney’s ball last season.’

‘Friends,’ announced the host, ‘Supper is ready.’

‘May I have the pleasure?’ said the ’jah to Rosée Leroy, while Bunny applied the same question to the amiable Phyllis. The whole party adjourney to the supper room where the table groaned under cold ham & chicken, salads, oysters, wines & other delecacies. Everyone got freer & more interesting. Walking Waggon told his best stories, Puddiphat made doubtful jokes & the rest talked, listened & laughed. The ’jah related stories about the Little Master, who was heartily laughed at & afterwards toasted. Then followed toast upon toast, their Majesties of course leading the list. Then as the last stroke of 12 ceased to vibrate, the Owl said, ‘Let us take the air.’

With that they issued forth, hatless & bootless to roam the city.

VIII

On the night of the eventful Saturday the Little Master had been to a select political debate at Sir Goose’s chambers & was returning in his brougham at 2 in the morning. Leaning back upon the luxurious cushions he had almost fallen asleep when the strains of a music hall song sung by many voices startled him,

‘Oh Mister Puddiphat

Where did you get that ha-at?’

Such a staid & sober individual as the Frog was annoyed at the idea of any party going out after supper in this manner. Without reflecting who the bounders were he dozed off again. Suddenly –

‘Now down D. street we will go

That’s the place for us you know

Whoop!!’

just besides the coach, which had abruptly stopped. Next instant, to his untold horror, the door was flung open & a crowd of people stood outside.

‘Morning, Sir’ cried one merrily. It was the Owl!

‘Puddiphat!’ cried Big in horror. ‘And (he gasped) your – your – majesties!’ It was only too true. There, before the little-master’s gaping eyes stood the sovereigns of Boxen, bare-headed, & worse, singing a music-hall song at 2 in the morning, & worse & worse each with a music hall actress!! Behind them surged Pig, Beetle & the others.

‘Your Majesties,’ said he icily, ‘come in & come with me to the palace!’

‘Not at all Big’ protested the ’jah. ‘You come out.’

‘Your Majesties! By a little-master’s authority I request you to come. Upon my word if you don’t I’ll resign!’

‘But what’s the matter?’ asked Bunny.

Soon however the kings sulkily got in, the doors were shut, & the carriage swept on. As soon as they were settled Big said, ‘Boys. This is awful.’ ‘But my dear Big –’

‘Benjamin!!’ this sternly. The rabbit collapsed onto the seat.

Then Big muttered in a dull fatalistic way he had when annoyed, ‘You ought to be deposed.’