Page:Popular Tales and Romances of the Northern Nations (Volume 3).djvu/170

158 William loaded his piece, and looked about for an aim. At a great height above the forest, like a moving speck, was hovering a large bird of prey. “There!” said Mr. Timbertoe, “that old devil up there, shoot him.” William laughed, for the bird was floating in a region so elevated as to be scarcely discernable to the naked eye. “Nay, never doubt; shoot away;” repeated the old soldier, “I’ll wager my wooden leg you’ll bring him down.” William fired, the black speck was seen rapidly descending; and a great vulture fell bleeding to the ground.

“Oh! bless your heart, that’s nothing at all,” said the soldier, observing the speechless astonishment of his companion, “not worth speaking of. Indeed it’s no such great matter to learn how to cast balls as good as these; little more is wanted than some slight matter of skill, and to be sure a stout heart; for why? the work must be done in the night. I’ll teach you and welcome, if we should chance to meet again; at present, however, I must be moving, for I’ve a dd long march before me to day; and I