Now I was ready and Hans handed me the little rifle.
"It is at full cock, Baas, with the catch on," he said, "and carefully
loaded. Also I have wrapped the lining of my hat, which is very full
of grease, for the hair makes grease especially in hot weather, Baas,
round the lock to keep away the wet from the cap and powder. It is not
tied, Baas, only twisted. Give the rifle a shake and it will fall
off."
"I understand," I said, and gripped the gun with my left hand by the
tongue just forward of the hammer, in such a fashion that the horrid
greased rag from Hans's hat was held tight over the lock and cap. Then
I shook hands with the others and when I came to Miss Hope I am proud
to add that she spontaneously and of her own accord imprinted a kiss
upon my mediaeval brow. I felt inclined to return it, but did not.
"It is the kiss of peace, O Allan," she said. "May you go and return
in peace."
"Thank you," I said, "but get on with dressing Hans in his new
clothes."
Stephen muttered something about feeling ashamed of himself.
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