human
What's that, Dick--money?
gpt
No, father; leaden bullet.
human
Ha! that's it; nice thing to go through a man's arm, said the squire as he examined the roughly-cast ragged piece of lead.
gpt
We must look for his gun to-morrow. What did he expect to get with a bullet at a time like this? Eh? What were you trying to shoot, Marston?
human
I--trying to shoot!
gpt
Yes; of course you didn't mean to bring yourself down, said the squire, smiling;
human
Do you recollect where you left your gun?
gpt
Left my gun!
human
Never mind now, Mr Marston, said the squire kindly.
gpt
Your things are wet, and we'll get you to bed. It's a nasty wound, but it will soon get right again. I'm not a doctor, but I know the bone is not broken.
human
I did not understand you at first, said the young engineer then.
gpt
You think I have been carrying a gun, and shot myself?
human
Yes, but never mind now, said Mrs Winthorpe, kindly.
gpt
I don't think you ought to talk.
human
No, was the reply;
gpt
I will not say much; but I think Mr Winthorpe ought to know. Some one shot me as I was coming across the fen.
human
What!
gpt
Shot you!
human
Yes. It was quite dark, and I was carefully picking my way, when there was a puff of smoke from a bed of reeds, a loud report, and I seemed to feel a tremendous blow; and I remember no more till I came to, feeling sick and faint, and managed to crawl along till I saw the lights of the farm here, and cried for help.
gpt
Great heavens!
human
Didn't you see any one?
gpt
No, nothing but the smoke from the reeds. I feel rather faint now--if you will let me rest.