Beaters all ready at the Hunt Copse, my lord." Thus speaking he backed himself out of sight.

Lord Ragnall watched him go, then said with a laugh: "I apologize to you, Mr.Quatermain.That silly old fool was part of my inheritance, so to speak; and the joke of it is that he is himself the worst and most dangerous shot I ever saw.

However, on the other hand, he is the best rearer of pheasants in the county, so I put up with him.

Come in, now, won't you?
Charles will look after your guns and cartridges." So Scroope and I were taken through a side entrance into the big hall and there introduced to the other members of the shooting party, most of whom were staying at the castle.

They were famous shots.