'I will come with you and help you,' said Mr Snodgrass.

He was astonished, but by no means dismayed. In such cases it is extraordinary how cool everyone but the person being shot at can be. Mr Winkle had forgotten this. He had thought his friend would have the same feelings as he did.

'The consequences may be awful,' said Mr Winkle.

'I hope not,' said Mr Snodgrass.

'The doctor, I believe, is a very good shot,' said Mr Winkle.

'Most of these military men are,' observed Mr Snodgrass calmly; 'but so are you, aren't you?'

Mr Winkle replied that he certainly was. Then seeing that he had not alarmed his companion enough, he changed his tactics. 'Snodgrass,' he said, in a voice shaking with emotion, 'if I die, you will find in the packet which I am about to give you a note for my - for my father.'