“They 're handsome pistols,” said Jack, rather amused with her remark.
“They 're good, and that's better!” replied she, gravely. “That one in your hand has seven double crosses on the stock and nine single.”
“The seven were killed on the ground, I suppose?”
A short nod of assent was her reply.
“Such little events are not unfrequent down here, then?”
“Anan!” said she, not understanding his question.
Jack quickly perceived that he had not taken sufficient account of Joan's limited acquaintance with language, and said,—
“They often fight in these parts?”
“Ayeh! not now,” replied she, in a half-deploring tone. “My father remembers twenty duels for one that does be nowadays.”
“A great change, indeed.”