“Well, I believe you are right, Martin; it never occurred to me. How many ought we to have?”
“Well, that’s according—how many be you in family?”
“We are five males and three females.”
“Well, then, sir, say ten rifles; that will be quite sufficient. Two spare ones in case of accident,” replied Martin.
“Why, Martin,” said Mrs Campbell, “you do not mean that the children and these young ladies and I are to fire off rifles?”
“I do mean to say, ma’am, that before I was as old as that little boy,” pointing to John, “I could hit a mark well; and a woman ought at least to know how to prime and load a rifle, even if she does not fire it herself. It is a deadly weapon, ma’am, and the greatest leveller in creation, for the trigger pulled by a child will settle the business of the stoutest man. I don’t mean to say that we may be called to use them in that way, but it’s always better to have them, and to let other people know that you have them, and all ready loaded too, if required.”
“Well, Martin,” said Mr Campbell, “I agree with you, it is better to be well prepared. We will have the ten rifles, if we can afford to purchase them. What will they cost?”
“About sixteen dollars will purchase the best, sir; but I think I had better choose them for you, and try them before you purchase.”
“Do so, then, Super. Alfred will go with you as soon as he comes back, and you and he can settle the matter.”
“Why, Super,” observed Mrs Campbell, “you have quite frightened us at the idea of so many firearms being required.”