“And a deer just come down for a drink of fresh-water, ready to be shot and keep us in food for days.”
“Yes, I can see it now,” said Rob eagerly. “What a beautiful creature!”
“Yes, beautiful meat that we can cut up in strips and dry in the sun, so as to have a little supply in hand.”
“But it seems—” began Rob.
“It’s necessary, lad, and it’s a chance. Sit down, rest your piece on the gunwale, and aim straight with your left barrel at the centre of its head. If you miss that you’re sure to send the bullet through its shoulder and bring it down.”
Feeling a great deal of compunction, Rob sank into the position advised, cocked his piece, and took careful aim.
“Make sure of him, my lad,” whispered Shaddy. “It’s a fine bit o’ practice for you. Now then, hold the butt tight to your shoulder and pull the trigger gently; squeeze it more than pull. Covered him?”
“Yes.”
“Then fire.”
Bang! bang! Two shots in rapid succession, and the deer was gone, but a monkey unseen till then dropped head over heels into the water from one of the trees over the trembling deer, scared from its hold by the loud reports, and after a few moments’ splashing succeeded in reaching a branch which dipped in the stream. In another moment or two it was in safety, chattering away fiercely as an ugly snout was protruded from the water where it fell.