between the canon and the Bull of Bashan.



CHAPTER III

ALLAN GIVES HIS WORD

Mr. Atterby-Smith proved on acquaintance to be even worse than unfond
fancy painted him. He was a gentleman in a way and of good family
whereof the real name was Atterby, the Smith having been added to
secure a moderate fortune left to him on that condition. His
connection with Lord Ragnall was not close and through the mother's
side. For the rest he lived in some south-coast watering-place and
fancied himself a sportsman because he had on various occasions hired
a Scottish moor or deer forest. Evidently he had never done anything
nor earned a shilling during all his life and was bringing his family
up to follow in his useless footsteps. The chief note of his character
was that intolerable vanity which so often marks men who have nothing
whatsoever about which to be vain. Also he had a great idea of his
rights and what was due to him, which he appeared to consider
included, upon what ground I could not in the least understand, the
reversal of all the Ragnall properties and wealth. I do not think I
need say any more about him, except that he bored me to extinction,
especially after his fourth glass of port.

Perhaps, however, the son was worse, for he asked questions without
number and when at last I was reduced to silence, lectured me about
shooting. Yes, this callow youth who was at Sandhurst, instructed me,
Allan Quatermain, how to kill elephants, he who had never seen an