Deerslayer
laughed, cordially and naturally, but at the same time he threw
himself into an attitude of preparation and stood keenly watching
the sheet of placid water. Presently a dark spot appeared, and
then the duck arose to breathe, and shook its wings. While in this
act, a bullet passed directly through its breast, actually turning
it over lifeless on its back. At the next moment, Deerslayer stood
with the breech of his rifle on the platform, as tranquil as if
nothing had happened, though laughing in his own peculiar manner.
"There's no great trial of the pieces in that!" he said, as if anxious
to prevent a false impression of his own merit. "No, that proof's
neither for nor ag'in the rifles, seeing it was all quickness of
hand and eye. I took the bird at a disadvantage, or he might have
got under, again, afore the bullet reached him. But the Sarpent
is too wise to mind such tricks, having long been used to them.
Do you remember the time, chief, when you thought yourself sartain
of the wild-goose, and I took him out of your very eyes, as it might
be with a little smoke! Howsever, such things pass for nothing.
atween fri'nds, and young folk will have their fun, Judith.
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