It was a smooth strip of turf running north and south, with the stable to the left, and a grove of trees opposite.

The building cast a shadow over most of the space, and altogether it was an ideal spot, well beyond view from the windows of the house.

Hardy opened the leather case, placing it upon the grass, and I saw the two derringers lying against the plush lining, deadly looking weapons, with long steel-blue barrels, and strangely carven stocks.

Someway they fascinated me, and I watched while he took them up and fondled them.
"Rather pretty playthings, Galesworth," he said admiringly.

"Don't see such often nowadays, but in my father's time they were a part of every gentleman's belongings.