guns did
you mean?"

"We have three fowling-pieces and three muskets, besides pistols."

"Fowling-pieces,--they are bird-guns, I believe,--no use at all; muskets
are soldiers' tools,--no use; pistols are pops, and nothing better. You
have no rifles; you can't go into the woods without rifles. I have got
mine, but you must have some."

"Well, I believe you are right, Martin; it never occurred to me. How
many ought we to have?"

"Well, that's according--how many be you in family?"

"We are five males and three females."

"Well, then, sir, say ten rifles; that will be quite sufficient. Two
spare ones in case of accident," replied Martin.

"Why, Martin," said Mrs. Campbell, "you do not mean that the children
and these young ladies and I are to fire off rifles?"

"I do mean to say, ma'am, that before I was as old as that little boy,"
pointing to John, "I could hit a mark well; and a woman ought at least
to know how to prime and load a rifle, even if she does not fire it
herself. It is a deadly weapon, ma'am, and the greatest leveler in
creation, for the trigger pulled by a child will settle the business of
the stoutest man. I don't mean to say that we may be called to use them
in that way, but it's always better to have them, and to let other
people know that you have them, and all ready loaded too, if required."

"Well, Martin," said Mr. Campbell, "I agree with you, it is better to be
well prepared. We will have the ten rifles, if we can afford to purchase
them. What will they cost?"

"About sixteen dollars will purchase the best, sir; but I think I had
better choose them for you, and try them before you purchase."

"Do so, then, Super; Alfred will go with you as soon as he comes back,
and you and he can settle the matter."

"Why, Super," observed Mrs. Campbell, "you have quite frightened us
women at the idea of so many firearms being required."

"If Pontiac was alive, missus, they would all be required, but he's gone
now; still there are many outlying Indians, as we call them, who are no
better than they should be; and I always like to see rifles ready
loaded. Why, ma'am, suppose now that all the men were out in the woods,
and a bear should pay you a visit during your absence, would it not be
just as well for to have a loaded rifle ready for him; and would not you
or the young misses willingly prefer to pull the trigger at him than to
be hugged in his fashion?"

"Martin Super, you have quite convinced me: