28 CONVERSATIONAL HINTS 



of his exploits. After all, the ability to ' brown ' a 

 herd of elephants does not guarantee rights and 

 lefts at partridges. Apt to declaim tersely and 

 forcibly about the hardships of a military career. 



(5.) The Average Shot. Talk to him about 

 average matters, unless you hear he is a celebrity 

 in some other branch of sport. In that case, get 

 details from him of his last Alpine climb, or his 

 latest run to hounds, or ask his views on racing 

 matters. Most average shots go racing, and think 

 they understand all about it. 



I say nothing here about the Dangerous Shot, 

 because it is never right to get within talking 

 distance of him. In fact, he ought not to be 

 talked to at all. I am not sure he ought to be 

 allowed to live. Still, his exploits furnish material 

 for many an animated conversation amongst the 

 survivors. 



