As to the weapons of the world--they fall not to my use.

I might be excused by the most punctilious, for rejecting what becomes neither my station nor my habits of life; but I learnt this much from books long since, 'hold thyself prepared for all things:'-- I am so prepared.

And as I can command the spirit, I lack not the skill, to defend myself, or return the hostility of another." As Aram thus said, he drew a pistol from his bosom; and pointed it leisurely towards a tree, at the distance of some paces.
"Look," said he, "you note that small discoloured and white stain in the bark--you can but just observe it;--he who can send a bullet through that spot, need not fear to meet the quarrel which he seeks to avoid." Walter turned mechanically, and indignant, though silent, towards the tree.

Aram fired, and the ball penetrated the centre of the stain.

He then replaced the pistol in his bosom, and said:-- "Early in life I had many enemies, and I taught myself these arts.