To clear the spout of a coffee-pot

The Rev. Mr. Loudon, tutor to Lord Napier's sons, was unfortunately shot dead by the accidental going off of a pistol in the hand of one of the youths, who happened to take it up to look at it. Mr. Loudon had drawn the rammer of the pistol to clear the spout of a coffee-pot; and was busy in so doing when the accident happened.