"Judge, may I try 'em some day?" asked Hannibal.

"Yes, my boy, that's part of a gentleman's education."

"Well, look out you don't shoot him before his education begins,"
snapped Mahaffy.

"Where did you buy 'em?" Hannibal was dodging about the judge,
the better to follow the operation of loading.

"At the gunsmith's, dear lad. It occurred to me that we required
small arms. If you'll stand quietly at my elbow and not hop
around, you'll relieve Mr. Mahaffy's apprehension."

"I declare, Price, you need a guardian, if ever a man did!" cried
Mahaffy, in a tone of utter exasperation.

"Why, Solomon?"

"Why?--they are absolutely useless. It was a waste of good money
that you'll be sorry about."

"Bless you, Solomon--they ain't paid for!" said the judge, with a
thick little chuckle.

"I didn't do you the injustice to suppose they were; but you
haven't any head for business; aren't you just that much nearer
the time when not a soul here will trust you? That's just like
you, to plunge ahead and use up your credit on gimcracks!"