The rifle, designed with that plainness of ornament and simplicity of form peculiar to English weapons, was of the finest finish.

Like the pistols, of which Roland had had opportunity to test the accuracy, the rifle was made by the celebrated Manton, and carried a twenty-four calibre bullet.

That it had been originally intended for a woman was easily seen by the shortness of the stock and the velvet pad on the trigger.

This original purpose of the weapon made it peculiarly suitable for a boy of twelve.
Roland took the rifle from his brother's shoulder, looked at it knowingly, tried its action, sighted it, tossed it from one hand to the other, and then, giving it back to Edouard, said: "Thank Sir John again.
You have a rifle fit for a king's son.

Let's go and try it." All three went out to try Sir John's rifle, leaving Madame de Montrevel as sad as Thetis when she saw Achilles in his woman's garb draw the sword of Ulysses from its scabbard.
A quarter of an hour later, Edouard returned triumphantly.