SPORT IN SPORT
(Game played by Dumb-Crambo, Junior)
Cartridges
Stubble and turn-up
Marking down
A breech loader
Hairs and part-ridges were scarce
Full cock
Boy (after watching old sportsman miss a couple of rocketers). "Have you shot often, uncle?"
Uncle. "Yes, my boy, a great deal. At one time, in Africa, I used to live by my gun."
Boy (thoughtfully). "Did you? And is that why you're so thin?"
Fitz. "I say, are all your beaters out of the wood?"
Keeper. "Yes, sir."
Fitz. "Are you sure?"
Keeper. "Yes, sir."
Fitz. "Have you counted them?"
Keeper. "No, sir; but I know they're a'right."
Fitz. "Then I've shot a roe deer!"
"Le Sport."—Keeper. "Why didn't you fire the other barrel, m'seer—the other barrel at the last bird?"
Monsieur Alphonse. "Bah! I did fire ze odher barrel! I do fire bodt barrels togezzer! And in my own country I do shoot ze lark at twenty, twenty-five, and sometimes dirty yards—when he stand quite still! Your dogs zey make ze birds to flyaway"—(insinuatingly)—"and zey must be fatigued. Here is money. Take zem, and buy zem somezings to eat! Leave me to make my own dogs myself!!"
Behind the Scenes.—Beater. "'Ere you are, Mr. Bags, 'ere's another one, but 'e bain't too fresh. I don't think 'e were killed to-day."
Keeper (sotto voce). "'Old your row, stupid! Of course he wasn't. We always puts a few down where the gov'nor's goin' to stand!"
The Laird (to little Tomkyns, who is being initiated into the mysteries of deer-stalking). "Don't move a step. Lie down where you are!"