"
"I shall be glad if you do, Edward; not because I want the money back,
but because then I shall be more easy in my mind about you all, if any
thing happens to me. As soon as you are perfect in your woodcraft, I
shall take Humphrey in hand, for there is nothing like having two
strings to your bow. To-morrow we will not go out: we have meat enough
for three weeks or more; and now the frost has set in, it will keep
well. You shall practice at a mark with your gun, that you may be
accustomed to it; for all guns, even the best, require a little
humoring."
Edward, who had often fired a gun before, proved the next morning that
he had a very good eye; and, after two or three hours' practice, hit
the mark at a hundred yards almost every time.
"I wish you would let me go out by myself," said Edward, overjoyed at
his success.
"You would bring home nothing, boy," replied Jacob. "No, no, you have
a great deal to learn yet; but I tell you what you shall do: any time
that we are not in great want of venison, you shall have the first
fire."
"Well, that will do," replied Edward.
The winter now set in with great severity, and they remained almost
altogether within doors. Jacob and the boys went out to get firewood,
and dragged it home through the snow.
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