" This assurance somewhat quieted Mrs. Ellis, who left the room and
took up her quarters in another apartment.
"Now, Mr. Walters," said Esther, taking off her bonnet, I'm quite in
earnest about learning to load these pistols, and I wish you to instruct
me. You may be hard pressed tonight, and unable to load for yourselves, and
in such an emergency I could perhaps be of great use to you."
"But, my child," replied he, "to be of use in the manner you propose, you
would be compelled to remain in quite an exposed situation."
"I am aware of that," calmly rejoined Esther. "And still you are not
afraid?" he asked, in surprise.
"Why should I be; I shall not be any more exposed than you or my father."
"That's enough--I'll teach you. Look here," said Mr. Walters, "observe how
I load this." Esther gave her undivided attention to the work before her,
and when he had finished, she took up another pistol and loaded it with a
precision and celerity that would have reflected honour on a more practised
hand.
"Well done!--capital!" exclaimed Mr. Walters, as she laid down the weapon.
"You'll do, my girl; as I said before, you are one after my own heart. Now,
whilst you are loading the rest, I will go downstairs, where I have some
little matters to attend to.
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