74 Simpson's snipe 



" May I again remind you that I am utterly averse 

 to facetiousness where firearms are concerned, and — " 



" My dear Smithe, I meant nothing, I assure 

 you. I pledge you my word of honour. Here, 

 load it yourself ; " and he handed me the gun. 



" There'll be a job for the coroner afore sunset," 

 growled Billy. 



" What do you mean, sir ? " exclaimed Simpson, 

 rather savagely. 



" Mane ! There's widdys and lone orphans 

 enough in the counthry, sir — that's what I mane," 

 and Billy started in advance with the air of a man 

 who had to do or die. 



Mr Simpson was silent for some time, during 

 which he found himself perpetually involved in his 

 gun, which appeared to give him the uttermost un- 

 easiness. First, he held it at arm's length as if it 

 was a bow ; then he placed it under his arm, and 

 held on to it with the tenacity of an octopus ; after 

 a little he shifted it again, sloping it on his shoulder, 

 ever and anon glancing towards the barrels to 

 ascertain their exact position. He would pause, 

 place the butt against the ground, and survey the 

 surrounding prospect with the scrutinising gaze of 

 a cavalry patrol. 



" Hush ! " he suddenly exclaimed. " We lost 

 something that time ; I heard a bird." 



