The Emperor And The Gipsy

In the rooently publjxhod memoirs of Karatygin, the l'aiiions Uussian actor, will be i'ound tlie following characteristic anecdote of the late EmperorNicholas. II is Majesty happened one day to be engaged in inspecting a state penitent ary in one of the provincial seats of government, and took it into lus head to question sorne of the convicts respect ing the nature of the offences for which they were suffering pvmishinciit. -Wliai are yon héïe for," he, asked of one. "I am innocent, Imperial Majesty," replied the prisoner, falling on liis knees; "a iittiin of false witness! A oliürch was robbed - a beadle knocked on the licad - the peasants caught hold of me ajul I knew notliing about it." Tiuniiif; to another, the Czarasked, "Aiid yonV" "False witness again, Imperia] Maj&sty, A peddler was done tor, close to niy house. I never even drcamt of such a thil)g." "And yon V" saiil N cholas, to a thlrd. "Sheer malIce, Sire. one of iny Qelghbors conveyed a lot of forged notes into my pocket, and bid away a lithdgraphic stone in my bedroom. 1 am as innocent as an nnliorn balie." The Kinpemr, oliviously bored by these successive prótestations of guiltlcssiicsH, cast a glance a]ong the line of prisonera until his eye feil upon u ragT geá, wietched-löottiag gipsy, whom e beckoaed forward with the woids, "Of couise yoii, too, arp, here on a íalse charge?" "Not a bit of it, your Aiajesty." replied the Tsigan; "it's all fair and square as (ar as I am concerned. I stole a pony from a tradesman." "Slole a pony, iliil you?" said the ('zar with a laugh, and (hi:i!, addrfssiiig thegovemo]- oí Ihc ))i'is(in wilh wcll-assniiiod slcniiicss, said: "Turn lliat good-foruothing rascal instant ly out ut' dOOTB. 1 can not'nl]or him tiuwnain a minute langer i Buch honorable and virtuous coinpany, lest he pervert all these good Lnnocenl peoplel"