Leo stepped into the circle, which respectfully opened to admit him. He belonged to an older generation than these scatter-brains, the oldest of whom had not passed the first third of his twenties. In consequence he did not "know" any of them, and had indeed scarcely set eyes on them since they had left school. After they had greeted him with astonished respect, a laughing babel of voices began to explain to him the newly invented sport. He took them in one by one when they were not looking. So it was in the society of these cheese-shooters that she had sought and found enjoyment? How infamous! and, what was more, how ridiculous! Lothair Stolt, as son of the house, invited him to take part in the game; he himself offered to give up one of the favourites, which had already been heavily backed, because it was certain not to fall to pieces before it was shot at. Leo expressed his thanks, and said that he was a novice in this art. "But you can shoot?" asked the young master of Zesslingen. "A little, dear Benno." They scouted his modesty. Every one knew that he used to be the first shot in the country; and who could say what fresh skill he might have acquired on the other side of the ocean? "We won't hear any excuse," some one cried from the little crowd. Leo felt in the humour for the prank. It was an opportunity, too, of reading a timely lesson to some who might later perhaps be disposed to make themselves objectionable. "The revolver was our speciality over there," he said, looking round. "We have one! We have one!" they shouted in chorus. Lothair handed him a magnificent pistol with long blue gleaming barrels. "But he must shoot at the cheese," called out Herr von Zesslingen, who, since he had drunk the three gallons, was looked upon as an authority amongst them. "Just as you please," replied Leo. The favourite, a fine slice of porous, golden-yellow cheese about the size of a plate, with firm rind, was solemnly handed to him. He carried it between two fingers to the mark, which was about fifteen paces from the shooting-place, and placed it on two of the pegs by which the circular target was fastened to the table. "It must fall directly it is hit," he said. The youths exchanged glances. One didn't need to go to South America to learn to hit an object the size of a man's hand at a distance of fifteen paces. The first shot was fired. The slice did not stir, and surprise increased. At intervals of several seconds two other shots followed. The slice stood fast as if it had taken root on the mark. "Will the gentlemen satisfy themselves that the target has not been struck?" said Leo. "It seems pretty clear that it hasn't," replied Lothair, feeling that he might now safely venture on a little impertinence. "All the same, I invite inspection."