Finally, _Mr. Punch_ is never likely to meet the man who, having read
the above, will not own that it is strictly true of those who pursue the
pleasant pastime of shooting when, as the eminent Burton puts it, "they
have leisure from public cares and business."
* * * * *
[Illustration: THE FIRST OF SEPTEMBER. (_Our sporting French friend,
voted dangerous, has been given a beat to himself._)--_Chorus._ "Well,
Count, what luck?"
_Count._ "Magnifique! I have only shot one! Mais voilà! Qu'il est beau!
The King partridge! Regardez ses plumes! N'est ce pas?"]
* * * * *
[Illustration: Marking black game]
* * * * *
[Illustration: Small bags--one brace]
* * * * *
[Illustration: "EVERY EXCUSE."--_Brigson_ (_excited_). "Hullo!--There
goes a----" (_Ups with his gun!_)
_His Host_ (_clutching his arm_). "Good Heavens!--You're not going to
shoot that fox?"
_Brigson._ "My dear f'ller! wh'-wh'-why not? This is the last day I
shall have this season--and I--I feel as if I could shoot my own
mother-in-law--if she rose!"]
* * * * *
[Illustration: Giving 'em both barrels]
* * * * *
[Illustration: Dropped his bird]
* * * * *