Fowling piece

"Dear Grandfather———" his lordship began with a very grave face, and was certainly on the point of making a confession, but his servant, entering with a variety of fowling-pieces, sent for his choice from my lord, together with a shot-bag, jacket, &c.;...

What could I do? My useless fowling-piece was in my hand. What help could I get from that? I looked desperately round for some rock or tree[.]