12 A Sportsman at Large 



oneself within reach of his malacca cane. But when in normal 

 health and spirits he was benign and urbane, and I could 

 generally count on a golden sovereign every time he visited 

 Moat Mount. Now when I found that my finances were not 

 accumulating rapidly enough to ensure the purchase of the 

 much-to-be-desired " shooting iron " before the season opened, 

 I began to urge The Mums to press her father to honour 

 us with a special visit, laying much stress on the love which I 

 harboured for " Mr. Commissioner." This move of mine 

 promised well, for my grandfather duly arrived and sojourned 

 with us for over a week ; but though I waited on his lordship 

 hand and foot, his hand failed to seek his pocket for the purpose 

 of producing that desirable and necessary " jerry o' goblin." 



As the time for his departure approached I grew reckless. 

 I tried all sorts of expedients, and even descended to broad 

 hints and outrageous flattery. When the family barouche 

 bore him to the station, I jumped in and sat beside him, carry- 

 ing in my arms a mysterious parcel. As I helped him into 

 the train I proffered my offering with a touching little speech 

 which I had mentally prepared. 



" Oh, grandpa dear, I'm so sorry you are going away. 

 It has been so nice having you with us. Will you accept this 

 bunch of grapes." (I had surreptitiously burgled it from the 

 vinery.) ' You will find them very comforting and refreshing 

 during the journey." 



" Oh, thank'ee, thank'ee, mi'lad, that's very thoughtful of 

 you. By the way, I suppose you are not above accepting a 

 trifling donation ? Here's a sovereign for you ! " 



Glory be ! The good thing had duly clicked ! 



The next day saw me the proud owner of the so-called gun, 

 plus a pound of black powder, and ditto of No. 7 shot (I chose 

 the size as being most suitable for any emergency. In this 

 I think I was wise, as later experience has taught me, though 

 I am aware that some sportsmen would prefer No. 6) for the 

 purpose toward. 



Now, I had not the least intention of blazoning to the world 

 the tactics which I had figured out for my renewed attack on 

 the creatures of the wild. 



One early morning in the middle of August saw me sneaking 



