He added, “I thought I had you beaten that time.” The other answered, “So you had, if you had not insulted me.”
If you make a man “see red” whilst still keeping his temper, that is the most dangerous man in the world to tackle. Sir Henry Irving portrayed this when acting in the Corsican Brothers. I have never seen another actor succeed in doing so.
In order not to hamper your adversary in a competition, it is of the utmost importance to study every one of your words and acts. What does not worry one man may entirely put another off his shooting. Moving about whilst he is shooting, leaving the firing point as he is firing, is enough to put him off his shot, and should be strictly avoided.
It is best to keep well away from him and only go up for your shot and not address a word to him or speak to any one within his hearing, until he beats you, then be the first to congratulate him.
CHAPTER XXVIII
THE EFFECT OF ALCOHOL AND NICOTINE ON SHOOTING
In order to obtain the best results in shooting, a perfect co-ordination between the brain, nerves, and muscles is necessary.
A man who drinks heavily may for a time be able to shoot well, but this does not last. He can never be depended on not to “crack up” and he collapses at critical moments.