Chapter 14 Summary

The long-awaited day arrives and Flory accompanies Elizabeth on a shooting expedition. As it would be improper to spend the night afield, they travel only a few hours from the town by canoe, up the river, to a nearby sport-shooting area. The village where they debark has prepared a resting spot while beaters are gathered and the shooting is readied. Elizabeth refuses to enter the native headman's house, and then spurns the refreshments offered. Instead, she clutches her gun—borrowed from her uncle—and finds the feel of it fascinating; she has never before held a firearm. Elizabeth is nearly giddy and talks excessively of shooting, cartridges, and adventure. Flory cautions her that shooting is often boring and unproductive. He tells her about once shooting a tiger, as a youth, and she is captivated by his bravery. Elizabeth finds such "manly...