"Have you a good rifle, my friend?" asked Mr. Clay.
"Yes," said the hunter.
"Does it ever flash in the pan?" continued Mr. Clay.
"It never did but once in the world," said the hunter, exultingly.
"Well, what did you do with it? You didn't throw it away, did you?"
"No; I picked the flint, tried it again, and brought down the game."
"Have I ever 'flashed,'" continued Mr. Clay, "except on the 'Compensation bill?'"
"No, I can't say that you ever did."
"Well, will you throw me away?" said Mr. Clay.
"No, no!" responded the huntsman, touched on the right point; "no; I'll pick the flint, and try you again!"