18 A Sportsman at Large 



ripping gun. Why, I've just bowled over this rabbit " 

 holding up my victim " with it ; running, too ! " 



" Yes, I saw you ; and a jolly good shot ! But this 

 thing is a death trap. You are full young to be shooting 

 yet. Sit tight for a bit, sonnie, and by and by we will fix 

 you up properly." 



I had to be content with this vague concession, but my 

 heart ached sorely for my twenty-five-bob " shooting-iron." 

 It was not long, however, before the glorious vision conjured 

 up by the last words of my beloved parent materialized 

 as presently you shall learn. 



