orth doin' well,' as
the old proverb puts it. If we are to explore this country, we must set
about learning to shoot, for if we don't, we are likely to starve in the
midst of plenty, and leave our bones to bleach in this beautiful
wilderness."

"True, Master Trench," remarked Paul, for the seaman had paused at this
point; "thus far you and I think alike. What more have you to say?"

"This I have to say, that I am resolved not to explore another fathom o'
this land until I can make sure of hittin' the crown o' my cap with a
cross-bow bolt at a reasonable distance; and I would advise you both to
make the same resolution, for if you don't you will have to do your
exploring without me."

"Just so, captain," said Paul, putting the last morsel of fish into his
mouth, with a sigh of contentment; "you are commander of this
expedition. I will obey orders."

"But what do you call a `reasonable' distance, daddy?" asked Oliver,
with that pert cock of the head peculiar to insolent youths; "a yard, or
a fathom?"

"Well, now," continued Trench, ignoring the question, "we will set about
it to-morrow morning, first thing after breakfast; stick up a target,
retire to a _reasonable_ distance, and work away from morning till
night, and every day till we become perfect."

"Agreed, captain," said Paul; "but what about food?"

"We will give Olly leave of absence for an hour or two daily to go and
fish," said the captain; "that will keep us alive, coupled with what
birds or beasts may come accidentally in front of our arrows."

This plan, although proposed at first half in jest, was carried into
operation next day, during the whole of which they practised shooting at
a mark most diligently. At supper-time, over a couple of fine trout, it
was admitted sadly by each that the progress made was very slight--
indeed, scarcely perceptible. Next night, however, the report was more
favourable, and the third night it was felt that the prospect ahead was
becoming hopeful; for, besides the improvement in shooting, two rabbits
graced their supper, one having been arrested by an almost miraculous
bolt when bolting; the other having been caught, unintentionally, by a
stone similar to that which brought down the giant of Gath. The fact
that skill had nothing to do with the procuring of either did not in the
least detract from the enjoyment with which they consumed both.

"Nothing is denied," they say, "to well-directed labour, and nothing can