It gives him distinction with his fellows.
Besides, one never knows when it may be useful for the saving of one's skin.

A man who can wield the rapier with skill, master his horse as you can, honest Tom, and shoot fair and true with pistol and musket, may go through life to a merry tune, and even die at last in his bed, if he has a mind for so respectable an end!" The days were shortening to their darkest by now.

Snow fell in the streets, and made walking disagreeable.

Tom found it pleasant to ride along beside Lord Claud, mounted upon the mettlesome mare, Nell Gwynne, who appeared kept just now for his especial use and behoof.

He still spent his Sundays at his lodgings; but pretty Rosamund was not always able to come across when the snow lay deep along the country roads.