ed force,
and a species of use removed from the stiffening and deforming effects
of labor. Although no one perceived any of those gentler or more
insinuating qualities which are apt to win upon a woman's affections,
as he raised his rifle not a female eye was fastened on him without a
silent approbation of the freedom of his movements and the manliness of
his air. Thought was scarcely quicker than his aim; and, as the smoke
floated above his head, the butt-end of the rifle was seen on the
ground, the hand of the Pathfinder was leaning on the barrel, and his
honest countenance was illuminated by his usual silent, hearty laugh.

"If one dared to hint at such a thing," cried Major Duncan, "I should
say that the Pathfinder had also missed the target."

"No, no, Major," returned the guide confidently; "that _would_ be a
risky declaration. I didn't load the piece, and can't say what was in
it; but if it was lead, you will find the bullet driving down those of
the Quartermaster and Jasper, else is not my name Pathfinder."

A shout from the target announced the truth of this assertion.

"That's not all, that's not all, boys," called out the guide, who was
now slowly advancing towards the stage occupied by the females; "if you
find the target touched at all, I'll own to a miss. The Quartermaster
cut the wood, but you'll find no wood cut by that last messenger."

"Very true, Pathfinder, very true," answered Muir, who was lingering
near Mabel, though ashamed to address her particularly in the presence
of the officers' wives. "The Quartermaster did cut the wood, and by that
means he opened a passage for your bullet, which went through the hole
he had made."

"Well, Quartermaster, there goes the nail and we'll see who can drive
it closer, you or I; for, though I did not think of showing what a
rifle can do to-day, now my hand is in, I'll turn my back to no man that
carries King George's commission. Chingachgook is outlying, or he
might force me into some of the niceties of the art; but, as for you,
Quartermaster, if the nail don't stop you, the potato will."

"You're over boastful this morning, Pathfinder; but you'll find you've
no green boy fresh from the settlements and the towns to deal with, I
will assure ye!"

"I know that well, Quartermaster; I know that well, and shall not deny
your experience. You've lived many years on the frontiers, and I've
heard of you in the colonies, and among the Indians, too, quite a human
l