“Present! think I was; 3 fired a musket⁠—fired with an idea⁠—rushed into wine shop⁠—wrote it down⁠—back again⁠—whiz, bang⁠—another idea⁠—wine shop again⁠—pen and ink⁠—back again⁠—cut and slash⁠—noble time, Sir. Sportsman, sir?” abruptly turning to Mr. Winkle.

“A little, Sir,” replied that gentleman.

“Fine pursuit, sir⁠—fine pursuit.⁠—Dogs, Sir?”

“Not just now,” said Mr. Winkle.