The Czar's Snuff Box

The czar's snuif box is as saered as the imperial crown itself - no one is al'lowed to touch it. KapiofE wagered ;that lie would take a pinch out of it. ■One morning he walked up to the table which stood near the bed on which the czar still reelioed and boldly took from 1 it the majestic snuiï box. Opening it ■ noisily he inserted his fingers, and while Paul I was watching him in stupefaction at sueh audaeity he snüïed up the fragrant powder with evident satisfaotion. "What are you doing there, you rogue?" exclaimed the ozar, exoitedly. "Having a pinch of snuif, sire. I have now been on duty for eight hours, and, feeling drowsy, I thought t would keep me awake, for I would rather break the rules of etiquette than neglect my duty." Paul burst out laughing and merely replied : "That's rijht enough, my lad; but as the snuff box is not large enough for both of us you can keep it for