The arrow then struck the ground in such a manner that it ran along it, and finally ceased its wanderings within a few feet of George.
“How strangely everything is fulfilled!” he said, with evident satisfaction.
The boys grinned—even Marmaduke was amused at the Sage’s behaviour.
“I believe that tree is inhabited,” Stephen remarked. “I’m sure there was a great rumpus in it when the arrow’ struck it, and I thought I heard a groan.”
“Go to grass, Stunner!” said Charles. “You don’t know a groan from a wasp’s nest.”
“I guess you’re about right, Charley;” Will added. “I guess George’s arrow smashed an ancient and worn out bird’s nest.”
Let it be understood that none of these boys were aware of Bob Herriman’s presence. They accompanied the Sage only to see to what extremes he would go, and to while away the time. But probably they had hopes that some unforeseen incident would happen to cause merriment.
Again George fired deliberately into the air, and again the arrow was narrowly watched. This time it came down so perilously near Stephen’s dog that Stephen was grievously offended.
But as this was the last arrow to be shot upward, and as all wished the proceedings to be continued, he was soon pacified.