He raised his gun, and quickly pulled the trigger; the effect was soon seen. The bird fluttered its wings, then dropped quickly through the air.
"By Jove, Mark's hit him!" exclaimed Tom in excitement.
James frowned in evident displeasure.
"Yes, he was lucky!" he said significantly.
Mark had run forward to pick up the bird.
"I told you Mark was a good shot!" said Tom, who had not so much vanity to wound as James.
"I suppose you think him a better shot than I, because he hit the bird and I didn't?" said James, reddening.
"No, I don't say that!"
"I tell you it was pure luck. I've heard of a man who shut his eyes when he fired, but he succeeded when all his companions failed. You can't judge of one by a single shot."
Here Mark came up with his trophy.