the movement, but ye'r not philosophic, nor scientifick in ye'r
management of the weepon. Now, Serjeant Dunham, I'll thank you to request the
ladies to give a closer attention than common, for I'm about to make that use of
the rifle which may be called the intellectual. Jasper's would have killed, I
allow, but then there would not have been half the satisfaction in receiving
such a shot, as in receiving one that is discharged scientifically.«
    All this time, the Quarter Master was preparing himself for the scientifick
trial, but he delayed his aim until he saw that the eye of Mabel, in common with
those of her companions, was fastened on him in curiosity. As the others left
him room, out of respect to his rank, no one stood near the competitor but his
commanding officer, to whom he now said, in his familiar manner -
    »Ye see, Lundie, that something is to be gained by exciting a female's
curiosity. It's an active sentiment, is curiosity, and properly improved may
lead to gentler inclinations in the end.«
    »Very true, Davy, but ye keep us all waiting while ye make your
preparations, and here is Pathfinder drawing near to catch a lesson, from your
greater experience.«
    »Wall, Pathfinder, and so you have come to get an idea, too, concerning the
philosophy of shooting! I do not wish to hide my light under a bushel, and ye'r
welcome to all ye'll learn. Do ye no mean to try a shot, yersel', man?«
    »Why should I, Quarter Master - why should I? I want none of the prizes, and
as for honor, I have had enough of that, if it's any honor to shoot better than
yourself. I'm not a woman to wear a calash.«
    »Very true, but ye might find a woman that is precious in your eyes to wear
it for ye as -«
    »Come, Davy -« interrupted the Major - »your shot, or a retreat. The
adjutant is getting to be impatient.«
    »The quarter-master's department, and the adjutant's department, are seldom
compliable, Lundie, but I'm ready - stand a little aside, Pathfinder, and give
the ladies an opportunity -«
    Lt. Muir now took his attitude with a great deal of studied elegance, raised
his rifle slowly, lowered it, raised it again, repeated the manoeuvres, and
fired