be done without it." Like most of the world's maxims, this is a
partially erroneous statement; for many things are denied to
well-directed labour, and sometimes amazing success is accorded to
ill-directed and blundering efforts. Still, what truth does exist in
the saying was verified by our three friends; for, after two weeks of
unremitting, unwearied, persistent labour, each labourer succeeded in
raising enormous blisters on two fingers of his right hand, and in
hitting objects the size of a swan six times out of ten, at a
"reasonable distance!"

Having arrived at this state of proficiency with their weapons, they
resumed their journey, fortified with a hearty breakfast, the foundation
of which was fish, the superstructure willow-grouse interspersed with
rabbit, and the apex plover.

Not long after that the first deer was shot. It occurred thus:--

They were walking one beautiful morning slowly along one of the numerous
deer-tracks of which we have already made mention, and were approaching
the summit of a ridge at the very time that a herd of deer, headed by a
noble stag, were ascending the same ridge from the opposite side. The
little air that moved was blowing in the right direction--from the deer
towards the travellers. As they topped the ridge about the same
instant, the two parties stood suddenly face to face, and it would be
difficult to determine which party looked most amazed.

Facility in fitting arrows, etcetera, had been acquired by that time.
The hunters were ready in a couple of seconds. The deer, recovering,
wheeled about; but before they could take the first bound, "burr, twang,
and whizz," sounded in their ears. The stone struck an antler of the
stag, the arrow pierced his flank, the bolt quivered in his heart, and
the monarch of the woods, leaping wildly into the air, fell dead upon
the ground.

"Well done, Master Trench!" shouted Paul, with a hearty cheer. As for
Oliver, he uttered a squeal of delight, threw an uncontrollable
somersault, and landed, sittingwise, on a bed of soft moss.

This was a tremendous triumph and source of jubilation, and it soon
became obvious to each that the other two had a hard struggle to keep
their expressions of satisfaction within the limits of moderation; for
not only had they now obtained the crowning evidence of their skill, but
they were provided with a supply of meat which, if properly dried, would
furnish them with food for many days to come.

It