ed it as stupidly as I did."

"Yes, sir, of course."

"Then send it on, and the pistol too. Ah, that's better--I'm easier;
but I say, Preston, I shall have to be carried back."

"I'm very glad you are easier, but really if I were you I would see a
doctor."

"I've no objection to seeing a doctor, my dear sir, but I'm not going to
have him do anything to me."

"Then you really wish us to go on with our purchases?"

"Why, of course, man, of course. What did we come for? Go on, man, go
on. Here, mister, show me one or two of these long carving knives."

"Carving knives?" said the dealer. "I do not keep them."

"Yes, you do: these," said Mr Burne, pointing to a case in which were
several Eastern sabres.

"Oh, the swords!" said the dealer smiling. "Of course."

"You are not going to buy one of these, are you, Mr Burne?" said
Lawrence eagerly.

"To be sure I am," was the reply. "Why shouldn't I play at soldiers if
I like. There, what do you say to that?" he continued, drawing a light,
keen-looking blade from its curved sheath. "Try it. Mind it don't go
off--I mean, don't go slashing it round and cutting off the professor's
legs or my head. Can you lift it?"

"Oh, yes," cried Lawrence, poising the keen weapon in his hand before
examining its handsome silver inlaid hilt.

"Think that would do for me? Oh, dear me, what a twinge!"

"Yes, sir, admirably," replied Lawrence.

"Then I don't," was the gruff retort. "Seems to me that it would just
suit you. There, buckle on the belt."

Lawrence did as he was told, but the belt was too large and had to be
reduced.

"Hah! that's better," said Mr Burne. "There, that's a very handsome
sword, Lawrence, and it will do to make you look fierce when we are in
the country, and to hang up in your room at home to keep in memory of
our journey. Will you accept it, my boy, as a present?"

"Oh, thank you," cried the lad excitedly.

"Took a fancy to it as soon as you saw it, you young dog. I saw you!"
cried the old lawyer chuckling. "There, now for a dagger or knife to go
with it."

The dealer produced one in an ornamental sheath directly, and explained
that it was for use as a weapon, for hunting, or to divide food when on
a journey.

"That will do, then, nicely. There, my boy, these are my presents.
Now, Preston, I suppose we must each have one of these long choppers?"

"Yes, I think so," replied the professor. "They will make us look more
formidable."