Dueling pistols for the duke, perhaps! I entered and asked to be shown some penknives.

The shopman served me with alacrity.

I chose a cheap knife, and then I permitted my gaze to rest on a neat little pistol that lay on the counter.

My simple _ruse_ was most effective.

In a moment I was being acquainted with all the merits of the instrument, and the eulogy was backed by the information that a gentleman had bought two pistols of the same make not ten minutes before I entered the shop.
"Really!" said I."What for ?" "Oh, I don't know, sir.