Nic was astounded, for the horse had acted just in the same way as his father’s.
“Let me tell you another thing. If you jump down—no, no, don’t do it—but if you jump down, pass the rein over the nag’s head and throw it on the ground: he will stand perfectly still.”
“Without the rein being fastened to a peg or tree?”
“Yes. Try it when you get down. Now you see you are learning to ride. But I want this trot, so be ready for your shot. Cock your gun.”
Nic made the lock click, and felt a thrill of anticipation run through his nerves.
“Whit shall I shoot at, father?”
“Well, you may as well practise at something running or flying.”
“A bird?”
“Yes, if you see a good specimen. You may as well collect some of our beautiful birds. Wait a bit: I dare say we shall see something before long.”
They paced on for about a quarter of a mile, and then a large animal was startled from out of some bushes, made a flying leap, and then went off in a series of tremendous bounds, and all the faster for the shot Nic fired and which whistled through the air over its head.