e there can be no
great difficulty in settling these matters, but in practice it is
really by no means easy. Some time since, being on a visit to the
Metropolis, I was requested by a friend to get him a gun, and
accepted the commission, as M. Emile Ollivier went to war, with a
light heart, little dreaming of the troubles that would start up in
the attempt to conscientiously carry it out. He wanted a good gun,
and was not very scrupulous as to maker or price, provided that the
latter was not absolutely extravagant. With such _carte blanche_ as
this it seemed plain-sailing, and, indeed, I never gave a second
thought to the business till I opened the door of the first
respectable gunmaker's shop I came across, which happened to be no
great distance from Pall Mall. A very polite gentleman immediately
came forward, rubbing his hands as if he were washing them (which is
an odd habit with many), and asked if there was anything he could do
for me. Well, yes, I wanted a gun. Just so--they had one of the
largest stocks in London, and would be most happy to show me
specimens of all kinds. But was there any special sort of gun
required, as then they could suit me in an instant.

'Hum! Ah! Well, I--I'--feeling rather vague--'perhaps you would let
me see your catalogue----'

'Certainly.' And a handsomely got-up pamphlet, illustrated with
woodcuts, was placed in my hands, and I began to study the pages.
But this did not suit him; doubtless, with the practice of his
profession, he saw at once the uncertain manner of the customer who
was feeling his way, and thought to bring it to a point.

'You want a good, useful gun, sir, I presume?'

'That is just it'--shutting the catalogue; quite a relief to have
the thing put into shape for one!

'Then you can't do better than take our new patent double-action
so-and-so. Here it is'--handing me a decent-looking weapon in
thorough polish, which I begin to weigh in my hands, poise it to
ascertain the balance, and to try how it comes to the present, and
whether I can catch the rib quick enough, when he goes on: 'We can
let you have that gun, sir, for ten guineas.'

'Oh, indeed! But that's very cheap, isn't it?' I thoughtlessly
observe, putting the gun down.

My friend D. had mentioned a much higher amount as his ultimatum.
The next instant I saw in what light my remark would be taken. It
would be interpreted in this way: Here we have either a rich
amateur, who doesn't care what he gives, o