I proposed rifles; then double-barreled shotguns; then Colt's navy revolvers.

These being all rejected, I reflected awhile, and sarcastically suggested brickbats at three-quarters of a mile.

I always hate to fool away a humorous thing on a person who has no perception of humor; and it filled me with bitterness when this man went soberly away to submit the last proposition to his principal.
He came back presently and said his principal was charmed with the idea of brickbats at three-quarters of a mile, but must decline on account of the danger to disinterested parties passing between them.

Then I said: "Well, I am at the end of my string, now.

Perhaps YOU would be good enough to suggest a weapon?
Perhaps you have even had one in your mind all the time ?" His countenance brightened, and he said with alacrity: "Oh, without doubt, monsieur!" So he fell to hunting in his pockets--pocket after pocket, and he had plenty of them--muttering all the while, "Now, what could I have done with them ?" At last he was successful.