charged scientifically."

All this time the Quartermaster was preparing himself for the scientific
trial; but he delayed his aim until he saw that the eye of Mabel, in
common with those of her companions, was fastened on him in curiosity.
As the others left him room, out of respect to his rank, no one stood
near the competitor but his commanding officer, to whom he now said in
his familiar manner,--

"Ye see, Lundie, that something is to be gained by exciting a female's
curiosity. It's an active sentiment is curiosity, and properly improved
may lead to gentler innovations in the end."

"Very true, Davy; but ye keep us all waiting while ye make your
preparations; and here is Pathfinder drawing near to catch a lesson from
your greater experience."

"Well Pathfinder, and so _you_ have come to get an idea too, concerning
the philosophy of shooting? I do not wish to hide my light under a
bushel, and yer welcome to all ye'll learn. Do ye no' mean to try a shot
yersel', man?"

"Why should I, Quartermaster, why should I? I want none of the prizes;
and as for honor, I have had enough of that, if it's any honor to shoot
better than yourself. I'm not a woman to wear a calash."

"Very true; but ye might find a woman that is precious in your eyes to
wear it for ye, as----"

"Come, Davy," interrupted the Major, "your shot or a retreat. The
Adjutant is getting impatient."

"The Quartermaster's department and the Adjutant's department are seldom
compliable, Lundie; but I'm ready. Stand a little aside, Pathfinder, and
give the ladies an opportunity."

Lieutenant Muir now took his attitude with a good deal of studied
elegance, raised his rifle slowly, lowered it, raised it again, repeated
the manoeuvres, and fired.

"Missed the target altogether!" shouted the man whose duty it was to
mark the bullets, and who had little relish for the Quartermaster's
tedious science. "Missed the target!"

"It cannot be!" cried Muir, his face flushing equally with indignation
and shame; "it cannot be, Adjutant; for I never did so awkward a thing
in my life. I appeal to the ladies for a juster judgment."

"The ladies shut their eyes when you fired!" exclaimed the regimental
wags. "Your preparations alarmed them."

"I will na believe such calumny of the leddies, nor sic' a reproach on
my own skill," returned the Quartermaster, growing more and more Scotch
as he warmed with his feelings; "it's a conspiracy to rob a meritorious
man of his due