"Those are yours and Sir Junius's," said Scroope. "I wonder which of you
has won. I'll put a sovereign on you, old fellow."

"Then you're a donkey for your pains," I answered, feeling vexed, for at
that moment I had forgotten all about the bet.

I do not remember how many pheasants were killed altogether, but the
total was much smaller than had been hoped for, because of the gale.

"Jenkins," said Lord Ragnall presently to Red Waistcoat, "how many have
you to the credit of Sir Junius Fortescue?"

"Two hundred and seventy-seven, my lord, twelve hares, two woodcocks,
and three pigeons."

"And how many to that of Mr. Quatermain?" adding: "I must remind
you both, gentlemen, that the birds have been picked as carefully as
possible and kept unmixed, and therefore that the figures given by
Jenkins must be considered as final."

"Quite so," I answered, but Van Koop said nothing. Then, while we all
waited anxiously, came the amazing answer:

"Two hundred and seventy-seven pheasants, my lord, same number as those
of Sir Junius, Bart., fifteen hares, three pigeons, four partridges, one
duck, and a beak--I mean a woodcock."

"Then it seems you have won your £5, Mr. Quatermain, upon which I
congratulate you," said Lord Ragnall.