A feeling of shock hit Mr Winkle as he became convinced that he had nothing to hope for by making his friend worried about him. He suddenly understood very clearly that he was destined to become an animated target.

The situation was formally explained to Mr Snodgrass. Then a case of satisfactory pistols, with satisfactory accompaniments of powder, ball, and caps, was hired from a manufacturer in Rochester.

After that the two friends returned to their inn; Mr Winkle to think hard about the approaching struggle, and Mr Snodgrass to arrange the weapons of war, and put them into proper order for immediate use.

It was a dull and heavy evening when they again set out on their awkward errand. Mr Winkle was completely wrapped up in a huge cloak to escape observation from possible witnesses. Mr Snodgrass carried under his cloak the instruments of destruction.

'Have you got everything?' said Mr Winkle, sounding agitated.

'Everything,' replied Mr Snodgrass; 'plenty of ammunition, in case the first shots miss. There's a quarter of a pound of gunpowder in the case, and I have got two newspapers in my pocket to pack the bullets into the pistol.'