A Sportsman at Large 155 



At the end of the twelfth round, there were only two others, 

 besides Shelley and myself left in. One of these was " Papa " 

 Journu, the great French shot, the hero of countless classical 

 contests (including the winning of the Grand Prix du Casino, 

 Monte Carlo). I forget who the fourth was, but have an idea 

 it was Captain " Bummer " Leighton, another old hand, and 

 a very tough opponent at any time and under any conditions. 



If it was, indeed, that same " Bummer," he let his thirteenth 

 bird slip, whilst the great Journu was defeated by his fifteenth. 



Thus the contest resolved itself into a tie between Shelley 

 and myself. Excitement rose to fever heat ! 



My turn came before that of my opponent (a great advantage 

 in a tie) . I dropped my bird all right, and Shelley did likewise. 

 I had a meteoric " rock " for my next missed clean with my 

 left, but nailed the " rock " promptly with my right, swinging 

 a good seven yards in front of it. 



The gallant captain was served with a similar pigeon, which 

 he peppered slightly with both barrels ; but it was a strong 

 and game bird. With the wind to help it, it topped the wall! 

 Glory be ! 



There was a yell of pent-up excitement as the tension was 

 relaxed. I was seized and carried back to the Pavilion shoulder- 

 high ! 



Corks began to pop and wine to fizz and sparkle, whilst my 

 right hand was nearly reduced to a pulp ! 



When the excitement had cooled down a bit Jiminez came 

 up to me. 



" Well, what did I tell you ? " he beamed. 



" As how, Jimmie ? " I asked. 

 ' Why, haven't you opened the envelope I gave you ? " 



" Lord, no ; I forgot all about it ! " 



So saying I produced the document and tore open the cover. 

 Within was a half-sheet of Club paper, on which was written 

 in bold characters : 



RESULT OF INTERNATIONAL CUP 



HARDING COX i 

 Journu 2 



Turner-Turner 3 



