costive as the others."

"Let me see the forty-five," suggested Charley. "That looks like a big,
strong gun."

"Here 'tis now," and Skipper Blink handed it to Charley. "'Tis a
wonderful sight stronger shootin' gun than the forty-four, but 'tis a
bit too heavy for a lad like you to pack. 'Twould make for weariness,
packin' she all day."

"It is heavy," agreed Charley, returning it to Skipper Blink, and eyeing
the thirty caliber. "May I see the other one?"

"Aye, and there 'tis now. She's the best, and I keeps she for the last,"
said Skipper Blink proudly, as he delivered it into Charley's hands.
"_She's_ a rifle now. She's the best and strongest shootin' gun I ever
sees."

"This isn't heavy," said Charley. "I like it mighty well. Try it, Toby,
and see what you think of it."

"She is fine and light," said Toby. "I likes un better'n the
forty-four."

"So do I, ever so much," said Charley taking it back from Toby, and
handling it caressingly.

"You knows a good gun when you sees un, lad," flattered Skipper Blink.
"I were thinkin' when you asks to see un that you'd be pickin' that un,
and I were sayin' to myself, 'There's a lad now what knows a gun, and
he'll be wantin' the thirty.' But 'tis the most costive of all of un."

"I'll take it anyhow," agreed Charley, fondling the arm, quite sure that
his happiness depended upon owning it, and recognizing it as the
undoubted aristocrat of the three.

"That's right, lad," beamed the Skipper. "When the bullet from that un
hits a deer, you'll be gettin' the deer, whatever. Let me get a bit o'
rag and wipe the grease off of she. And we'll take the ramrod and wipe
out the barrel. 'Tis clogged full o' grease, and if you shoots she
without cleanin' she out 'tis like to split she."

When Skipper Cy had cleaned the gun to his satisfaction he handed it to
Charley, with the suggestion:

"You'll be needin' some ca'tridges--a hundred, whatever."

"I'll take a hundred and fifty," said Charley proudly.

"They comes twenty in a box," advised the Skipper. "If you takes seven
boxes 'twill do you. 'Tis all I has."

"Very well," agreed Charley.

It was Charley's first gun. He fondled it and handled it, and scarce put
it down until Mrs. Blink announced supper, and they sat down to an
appetizing meal of bruise.[8] Both boys were hungry, and Skipper Cy
urged them to eat.

"Fill up, now," he would say. "Take more of un. You lads have had a long
day cruisin', and I'm not doubtin' yo