I was especially fond of the short gun or pistol, not the bell-mouthed thing which shot a handful of slugs, and was as little precise in its aim as a hailstorm, but the light foreign pistol which, shot as true as a musket.

Weir had learned his trade in Italy, and was a neat craftsman, so I employed him to make me a pistol after my own pattern.

The butt was of light, tough wood, and brass-bound, for I did not care to waste money on ornament.

The barrel was shorter than the usual, and of the best Spanish metal, and the pan and the lock were set after my own device.

Nor was that all, for I became an epicure in the matter of bullets, and made my own with the care of a goldsmith.