Page:Tudor Jenks--The defense of the castle.djvu/37

Rh comrade in arms. "Will you claim the prize? or shall we reckon four good shots better than one best shot?"

"I never saw such shooting," Edgar exclaimed, looking admiringly at the old bowman, "and I say, give him the prize on condition he shall show me how to deliver true arrows on each other's heels! What is the secret, Hugh?" he asked, smiling.

"The secret," the old man replied as he carefully straightened his bow and replaced it in its case, "is to face another archer who draws his bow with the hope of planting his arrow in your breast before yours comes. I know nothing else that gives one so quick a hand and eye. You need only practice, my young lord. Your draw is sure and steady. Your eye and hand are true. The rest will come."

The baron presented the prize to the old soldier, who took it with keen pleasure, for it was a fine hunting-knife, serviceable and strong; and Edgar's delight in the praise given to his shooting was no less than if he had won in the contest. Afterward the veteran sat down among the men-at-arms, and watched the younger men trying their skill.

The next day was given to preparations for the baron's journey southward. He took with him