The next day, Lilburne, who was familiar with Mr. Harsden (though the latter gentleman never played at the same table), asked that prudent person after breakfast if he happened to have his pistols with him. "Yes; I always take them into the country--one may as well practise when one has the opportunity. Besides, sportsmen are often quarrelsome; and if it is known that one shoots well,--it keeps one out of quarrels!" "Very true," said Lilburne, rather admiringly. "I have made the same remark myself when I was younger. I have not shot with a pistol for since years. I am well enough now to walk out with the help of a stick. Suppose we practise for half-an-hour or so." "With all my heart," said Mr. Marsden. The pistols were brought, and they strolled forth;--Lord Lilburne found his hand out. "As I never hunt now," said the peer, and he gnashed his teeth, and glanced at his maimed limb; "for though lameness would not prevent my keeping my seat, violent exercise hurts my leg; and Brodie says any fresh accident might bring on tic douloureux;--and as my gout does not permit me to join the shooting parties at present, it would be a kindness in you to lend me your pistols--it would while away an hour or so; though, thank Heaven, my duelling days are over!" "Certainly," said Mr. Marsden; and the pistols were consigned to Lord Lilburne. Four days from the date, as Mr. Marsden, Vaudemont, and some other gentlemen were making for the covers, they came upon Lord Lilburne, who, in a part of the park not within sight or sound of the house, was amusing himself with Mr. Marsden's pistols, which Dykeman was at hand to load for him. He turned round, not at all disconcerted by the interruption. "You have no idea how I've improved, Marsden:--just see!" and he pointed to a glove nailed to a tree. "I've hit that mark twice in five times; and every time I have gone straight enough along the line to have killed my man." "Ay, the mark itself does not so much signify," said Mr. Marsden, "at least, not in actual duelling--the great thing is to be in the line." While he spoke, Lord Lilburne's ball went a third time through the glove. His cold bright eye turned on Vaudemont, as he said, with a smile,-- "They tell me you shoot well with a fowling-piece, my dear Vaudemont--are you equally adroit with a pistol?" "You may see, if you like; but you take aim, Lord Lilburne; that would be of no use in English duelling. Permit me." He walked to the glove, and tore from it one of the fingers, which he fastened separately to the tree, took the pistol from Dykeman as he walked past him, gained the spot whence to fire, turned at once round, without apparent aim, and the finger fell to the ground. Lilburne stood aghast. "That's wonderful!" said Marsden; "quite wonderful. Where the devil did you get such a knack?--for it is only knack after all!"