For a very brief period James carried his gun more carefully. Then he forgot his caution, and in transferring his gun from one shoulder to the other somehow he touched the hammer, and the gun was discharged.
It was most unfortunate, but when the gun went off it was pointed directly at a white-faced cow belonging to Deacon Miller.
The small shot penetrated both the poor animal's eyes, and with a moan of anguish the cow sank to the ground.
Both boys stared in dismay at the victim of carelessness.
"There, you've gone and done it now, James," said Tom. "You've shot Deacon Miller's cow."
"I don't see how I happened to do it," stammered James, really frightened.
"I told you not to carry your gun so carelessly."
"You told me! Of course you want to get me into trouble about this!" exclaimed James, irritably.
"No, I don't."
"Then," said James, quickly, "don't say a word about it. We'll get home as soon as we can, and won't know anything about it. Mum's the word!"