Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1928-09-05

is probably The Last OF the MoIllCaLnSS.
Pathfinder" one of the LeatherstocKlns
Tales)
The garrison of Oswego assembled to
witness what its commander jocularly
called passage of arms" Although
the regular arms of the regiment were
muskets, some SO rifles were produced
on the present occasion. The distance
was hundred yards, and the weapon
was to be used without rest; the tar
get, a board, with the customary circu-
lar lines in white paint, having the
bulls-eye in the center.
Some eight or ten of the best marks
men of the garrison took possession of
the stand, and began to fire in success
sion. AS might have been expected of
men whose amusements and comfort
able subsistence equally depended on
skill in the use of their weapons, 1t was
found that they were all sufficiently ex-
pert to hit the bull's-eye or the white
spot in the center of the target. Others
who succeeded them, it is true, were less
sure, their bullets striking in the differ
ent circles that surrounded the center of
the target, without touching it.
According to the rules of the day
none could proceed to the SECOND trial
who failed in the first. Lundie, the
quartermaster, and Jasper Bauedouce
appeared, while the Pathfinder walked
| leisurely about without his beloved
rif1e-for himself measure SO unusual
as to be understood as a proof that he
did not consider himself a competitor
for the honors of the day.
Jasper's face flushed as he took his
turn. IIe cast haSty glance at Mabel,
the Sergeant's daughter, whose pretty
form he noticed bending forward as if
to note the result. He dropped the bar
rel of his rifle, with but little apparent
care, into the palm of his left hand
raised the muzzle for single instant
with exceeding steadineSS, and fired.
The bullet passed directly through the
center of the bull's-eye, much the best
shot ct the morning.
Lieut.. Muir now took his attitude with
a good deal of studied elegance, raised
his rife slowly, lowered it, raised ii
again, repeated the maneuverS, and fired
At first it seemed he had missed the
target altogether. But investigation
showed that he had put bullet through
Jasper's hole, and both bullets were
found, one atop the other in the stump
behind the target.
Pathfinder, now in response to urging
decided to take chance. He used Jas
per's rifle. lacking his own. Every eye
turned toward him. for the skill of the
celebrated guide and hunter was vel
known. Thought was scarcely quicker
than his aim, and, as the smoke f1oateo
above his head. the breech of his rife
he hn hand M
the Pathfinder was leaning on the bar
rel, and his honest face was illuminated
by his usual silent, hearty laugh.
Il didn't load the piece" said the
guide, land I can't say what was in it
But If it was lead, you will find the bull
let driving down those of Muir's ano
Jasper's-else my name is not Path.
finder" A shout from the target an
nounced the truth of his assertion.
That's not ALL" called the guide, "for
II you find the target touched at all
Ill own to a miss. The quartermastcr
cut the wood, but you'll find no wood
cut by that last messenger"
1t was true. The quartermaster did
cut the wood, and by that means opened
passage for Pathfinders bullet, which
went through the hole he had made.
In few moments the second trial OF
skill commenced. A common wrought
nail was driven lightly into the target
It's head having been first touched with
paint, and the marksman was required
to hit 1t or he lost his chances in the
succeeding trials. The first three failed
and the fourth was the quartermaster
who succeeded in carrying away small
portion of the head of the nail, keeping
him in the contest.
1T would take long time to build a
house with a hammer no better than
yourn," said the Pathfinder. Jasper
here. will show you how nail is to be
started"
AS the Pathfinder spoke, the bullet OF
Jasper Eau-douce hit the nail square