Feeling that I was doing a half-absurd thing, still I stepped into the shop and announced that, on further reflection, I would buy the little pistol.

The good man was delighted to sell it to me.
"If you carry valuables, sir," he said, repeating his stock recommendation, "it will give you a feeling of perfect safety." "I don't carry valuables," said I abruptly, almost rudely, and with most unnecessary emphasis.
"I did but suggest, sir," he apologized.

"And at least, it may be that you will require to do so some day." "That," I was forced to admit, "is of course not impossible." And I slid the pistol and a supply of cartridges into the other pocket of my coat.
"Distribute the load, sir," advised the smiling nuisance.

"One side of your coat will be weighed down.

Ah, pardon! I perceive that there is already something in the other pocket." "A sandwich-case," said I; and he bowed with exactly the smile the waiter had worn when I said that I came from Mont St.Michel..