I wrote at once in the endeavour to persuade him that his idea concerning the caricature was entirely misconceived, but some days had elapsed bringing no answer when one morning he dashed into my studio with a most injured air, and so full of his grievance that he did not observe his great friend the Duke of Hamilton, who was sitting to me for his portrait at the time. [Illustration: 1903 BARON DEICHMANN.] [Illustration: 1895. W. BRAMSTON BEACH, M.P. (_A great runner in his day_.)] [Illustration: "SAM" SMITH, M.P. (_Radical and low churchman_). 1904] [Illustration: PERCY THORNTON, M.P. (_A great runner in his day_.) 1900.] "_Hullo_, Rim![8] What's up?" inquired the Duke, whereupon my victim appealed for his opinion on my treatment of him; but he received only chaff in place of the sympathy he expected and very soon he withdrew. On the next day he called again as I was at my work, and his demeanour seemed altogether calmer: "Here is a letter I have brought you to read," he said. "It is lucky for you that opinions differ." The letter was from the Prince of Wales and ran as follows:-- "MY DEAR RIM, "I have to-day seen your excellent portrait in _Vanity Fair_, do you think you could procure for me the original drawing as I should so much like to possess it." After reading the Prince's letter and being aware of Sir Reginald's feeling in the matter, and also knowing that Mr. Gibson Bowles was the owner of the drawing I thought it diplomatic to make an alternative suggestion, which was to offer to draw a new sketch of him for presentation in full uniform and cocked hat. The idea pleased him, and when it was completed he took it himself to Marlborough House. Not only did it meet with the approval of the royal recipient, but the Duke of Edinburgh, who happened to be there at the time, was so pleased with it that he wanted one done of himself like it, and this led to the invitation for the cruise of which I am writing. To quote Sir Reginald's letter to me he says, "The Duke of Edinburgh considers your sketch the best drawn, and without exception the most wonderfully like he ever saw, and in consequence he will be very glad indeed if you will come for a cruise as his guest during the following dates, etc...." Previous to making a start I received instructions from Captain Le Strange, A.D.C., who was to pilot the Duke's guests to Bantry Bay on H.M.S. (despatch boat) _Lively_. In his letter he informed me that Admiral Sir William Hewitt, Admiral Hardinge, and Mr. Wentworth-Cole would be of the party on the _Hercules_; that he thought it would be a most jovial one, and that if I were a fair sailor I should enjoy the trip very much. He also said that H.R.H. had just taken his fleet of eight ships out for the first time, and that they seemed to work very well.