human
How! did you not meet Marriner?
gpt
Oh, yes! I met him all right; but it was no good. There were other poachers out last night, and we heard their guns, so of course we could not attempt anything, because the gamekeepers would all have been on the look-out. You were well out of it, not coming, for it was precious cold work waiting about, and no fun after all.
human
What a bore! But you will have better luck next time, perhaps.
gpt
I hope so, if I go; but the fact is, I have lost confidence in Marriner rather. He ought to have found out that those other fellows were going out last night, don't you see? At least he always brags that he knows their movements. And it will be some time before the moon serves again; and then the Christmas holidays will be coming on; and by next term the pheasants will all have been shot off. The chance has been missed.
human
Well, at all events, you have got all right and not been discovered. Do you know, when one comes to think about it, it was an awful risk,
gpt
Of course it was, replied Saurin;
human
A great deal, I should say. Not but what that is risky work too. Those fellows do not flinch from murder when they are interrupted.
gpt
What makes you say that?
human
I don't know! replied Edwards, astonished at the effect of his words.
gpt
I have read about fights between gamekeepers and poachers in books, and heard of them, and that; haven't you? How queer you look! Is there anything the matter?
human
But, as a matter of fact, I believe that they do show fight for their spoil and their liberty when they find themselves surprised. Shots are exchanged and mischief happens sometimes. But my poor little air-gun would not be a very formidable weapon in a row, I expect. Its peppercorn bullets are good for a rabbit or pheasant, but would hardly disable a man. The gamekeeper with his double-barrel would have a good deal the best of it. But, I say, my cold has not taken away my appetite. Let us get in to breakfast, and hang poaching.
gpt
Buller! I say, Buller!
human
Well, what's the row?
gpt
Oh, Buller! the doctor wants to see you in his study.
human
All right! replied Buller;
gpt
I will come at once.
human
All right, his mind meant
gpt
All wrong.