That to which they paid the most attention was their means of defense.

Jack Everson had brought a plentiful supply of cartridges for his superb breechloader; and the belt was already secured around his body.

Dr.Marlowe never allowed his supply of ammunition to run low, so that the two were well supplied in that respect.
Jack was pleased to find that the revolver belonging to Mary Marlowe was of the same calibre as his own, so that the cartridges could be used indiscriminately.
"I remember," he said to her, when the parent was just beyond hearing, "that you were quite skillful with your weapon." "Not specially so, but what skill I gained is due to your tuition." "Not so much to that as to the aptness of the pupil." "Your remark is more gallant than true, but I hope I shall not be called upon to use this weapon as you used yours awhile ago." "Such is my prayer, but if the necessity arises do not hesitate." "Be assured I shall not," she replied, with a flash of her fine eyes and a compression of her lips..