If I muffed the thing now, how should I bear the scorn of Charles and the polite amusement of his noble master?
Almost I prayed that no more pigeons would put in an appearance, and thus that the issue of my supposed skill might be left in doubt.
But this was not to be.

These birds came from far in ones or twos to search for their favourite food, and the fact that others had been scared away did not cause them to cease from coming.

Presently I heard Charles mutter: "Now, then, look out, guv'nor.

Here's your chance of teaching his lordship how to do it, though he does happen to be the best shot in these counties." While he spoke two pigeons appeared, one a little behind the other, coming down very straight.

As they reached the opening in the ilex grove they hovered, preparing to alight, for of us they could see nothing, one at a distance of about fifty and the other of, say, seventy yards away.
I took the nearest, got on to it, allowing for the drop and the angle, and touched the trigger of the rifle, which fell to my shoulder very sweetly.