It was a difficult mark, but the light was good and my hand steady.

I walked forward and brought back the hat with a hole drilled clean through the cockade.
At that there was a great laughter, and much jocosity from the cock-lairds at their friend's expense.

Barshalloch very handsomely complimented me, and sent for the mutchkin.

His words made me warm towards him, and I told him that half the business was not my skill of shooting but the weapon I carried.
He begged for a look at it, and examined it long and carefully.
"Will ye sell, friend ?" he asked.

"I'll give ye ten golden guineas and the best filly that ever came out o' Strathendrick for that pistol." But I told him that the offer of Strathendrick itself would not buy it.
"No ?" said he.