th big and little game, and they help to bring
to justice two men who are hiding from the officers of the law.
To-day hunting in our country is not what it was some years ago.
Many of the best hunting localities have become settled, and it
is becoming harder and harder to catch a sight of a deer, or a
moose, or a bear, or, in fact, any wild animal of size. In the
far West the buffalo has been practically wiped out, and in the
East the deer and moose would also be gone were it not for the
protection of the law, which makes it illegal to shoot down such
game during the closed season.

With best wishes to all who love a gun and love good hunting,
I remain, Your sincere friend, Captain Ralph Bonehill.

CHAPTER I

TARGET SHOOTING AND A PLAN

Cling!

"A bull's-eye!"

Cling!

"Another bull's-eye, I declare!"

Cling!

"Three bull's-eyes, of all things! Snap, you are getting to be
a wonder with the rifle. Why, even old Jed Sanborn couldn't do
better than that."

Charley Dodge, a bright, manly boy of fifteen, laid down the rifle
on the counter in the shooting gallery and smiled quietly. "I
guess it was more luck than anything, Shep," he replied. "Perhaps
I couldn't do it again."

"Nonsense," came from Sheppard Reed, also a boy of fifteen. "You
have got it in you to shoot straight and that is all there is to
it. I only wish I could shoot as well."

"How did you fellows make out?" came from a third youth, as he
entered the gallery. He was sixteen years old but hardly as large
as the average lad of ten.

"Snap just made three bull's-eyes!" cried Shep Red. "Made them
as easily as pie, too."

"And what did you make?"

"Made one bull's-eye and two inner rings. Are you going to try your
luck, Giant?"

"Humph!---I don't think I can hit the back of the building unless
they move it up to me," answered Will Caslette. "But I'll take
a chance," he added, turning to the keeper of the gallery and
fishing five cents from his pocket. "Got to learn to shoot if
I'm going on a hunt, you know," he went on, to his chums.

"Then you can go with us?" questioned Charley Dodge, quickly.

"I think so---mother said she would tell me for certain to-morrow."

The small youth took the rifle handed to him and aiming carefully,
pulled the trigger.

"The outer ring," said Shep Reed. "That's not so bad but what
it might be worse, Giant."

"Oh, it might be worse!" answered the small youth, coolly. "I
might fire