A NEW USE FOR A TUTOR 



living target, aimed at a small bird perched on a tree a long 

 way off, and, to the amazement of those present, brought 

 it down. It was a marvellous performance, and as a first 

 attempt at rifle- shooting with one hand, probably un- 

 surpassed ; hence, it is not surprising that, with the self- 

 confidence born of this extraordinary feat, he should 

 eventually have gained the reputation of being one of the 

 finest shots and tiger-hunters India has known. 



This reference to air-guns reminds me of a youthful 

 experience of my own in connection with one of these 

 weapons. The event, however, had no such tragic ending 

 as the one described, though it terminated somewhat un- 

 pleasantly to the one principally concerned, viz., a French 

 tutor, who, for his sins, perhaps, was occupying the 

 unenviable position of bear-leader and instructor to my 

 brother and myself. He was, however, a most good- 

 natured individual, and taking advantage of his disposition 

 we persuaded him to procure for us an air-gun or air-cane, 

 as these dangerous weapons were then called. Fortunately 

 for him, however, the one he had obtained for us was not 

 very powerful, for we had no sooner mastered the 

 intricacies of the weapon, than, taking further advantage 

 of his amiability, we started our shooting by making use 

 of his person as a target. 



This went on for some time much to our edification, 

 though so far as I remember not without some feeble 

 protests from our victimised preceptor. At length one 

 day we were caught in the act by the two old maiden 

 ladies who had had the misfortune to be constituted our 

 guardians until such time as we should be too old for 

 feminine control, which period, however, judging from our 

 exploits, had seemingly arrived already. 



These two old dames, possibly under the impression 

 that our shots were fired in anger, instead of as a pastime, 

 were horrified beyond measure ; but with commendable 

 promptitude and courage, immediately disarmed us, 

 confiscating the weapon. 



Much as we resented these arbitrary proceedings at the 

 moment, we came in time to realize that they had probably 

 been necessary, for we were wise enough to know that tutors 

 were not intended to be made use of as targets, therefore, 



c 17 



