"Thank you," said Charley, "I'd like to look at the rifles."
Accordingly Skipper Cy lighted a candle, and passed through the door leading to the shop, presently to return with the three rifles.
"Now here be the forty-four," said he, presenting the carbine for inspection. "'Tis a wonderful light fine gun for a lad."
"It's just like yours, isn't it, Toby?" Charley asked.
"Aye," said Toby, "the one I has is a forty-four carbine, just like this un."
"'Tis a fine rifle for any shootin'," explained Skipper Blink. "'Tis strong enough for deer or bear, if you hits un right, and 'tis fine for pa'tridges if you shoots un in the head. I finds un fine to hunt with, and 'tis not so costive as the others."
"Let me see the forty-five," suggested Charley. "That looks like a big, strong gun."
"Here 'tis now," and Skipper Blink handed it to Charley. "'Tis a wonderful sight stronger shootin' gun than the forty-four, but 'tis a bit too heavy for a lad like you to pack. 'Twould make for weariness, packin' she all day."
"It is heavy," agreed Charley, returning it to Skipper Blink, and eyeing the thirty caliber. "May I see the other one?"
"Aye, and there 'tis now. She's the best, and I keeps she for the last," said Skipper Blink proudly, as he delivered it into Charley's hands. "She's a rifle now. She's the best and strongest shootin' gun I ever sees."