“I have some thoughts of taking a gunning excursion,” said Henry.
“Are you a good shot?” said Mr. Woolcott.
“About equal to Mr. Winkle.”
“I don’t know him—where does he live?”
Henry was happily relieved from the necessity of replying to the question of his matter-of-fact uncle, by Aunt Martha, who declared her somewhat exulting belief that the gun was lent.
“No, it is at home—it came home last night. Here it is,” said Mr. W., bringing it forth from a secure hiding-place constructed under Aunt Martha’s sole direction and authority.
“Is it loaded?” said Henry.
“No, I guess not,” said his uncle.
“I’ll warrant it is,” said Aunt Martha.
“What is there to shoot in these parts?” said Henry.