130 How I Became a Sportsman. 



moment, which Ben corroborated. When my 

 father made the unlucky discovery of my gun 

 described in the first chapter, his immediate 

 desire was to get rid of the poor old kicker 

 at once ; and not knowing how to set 

 about it, had consulted with my uncle on the 

 matter. Now, the old Doctor was rather fond 

 of his stomach, and particularly delighted in a 

 wild duck or a few snipe ; and as Ben was in the 

 habit of supplying him occasionally, nothing so 

 likely as that Ben was the man to buy the gun, 

 or dispose of it for the conspirators. 



" What did you give for it, Ben ? " 



" Well, sir, I didn't exactly give anything for 

 it, but the price was to be a pound ; but the 

 Doctor said he would take it out. As it made 

 it light for me, I agreed ; but I know the old 

 gentleman had his money's worth. But I was 

 to be very careful never to let you see the gun,'^ 

 continued Ben ; '' and whenever I was likely to 

 meet you I never took it out." 



" What sort of a killer is it, Ben ? " said I. 



"Well," said Ben, "if you load it light, 

 there never was a better gun ; but if ever you 

 put in a heavy charge, it kicks most infernally." 



We had by this time got outside the cottage^ 



