There is no reason why you boys
should not be able to shoot as straightly as a man, and I have
therefore bought two carbines. They are the invention of an
American named Colt, and have a revolving breech, so that they fire
six shots each. There is a spare chamber to each, which is very
quickly shifted in place of the one discharged; so that each of you
could fire twelve shots in a very short time. They will carry up to
five hundred yards. They are a new invention, but all accounts
agree that they are an excellent one. I have obtained leave from
Mr. Harcourt, who lives three miles from here, to put up a target
at the foot of some bare hills on his property, and we will walk
over there twice a week to practice. I used to be considered a
first-rate shot with a rifle when I was a young man in America, and
I have got down a rifle for my own use. I do not want you to speak
about what we are doing to your mamma, or indeed to any one. We
shall keep our rifles at a cottage near where we shoot, and no one
need know anything about it. It is not likely that we shall have
any trouble with the Indians, and it is of no use making your mamma
uncomfortable by the thought of the probability of such a thing."
As Mr. Hardy spoke the boys were ready to dance with delight, and
this was increased when they turned into the gunsmith's shop, and
were shown the arms which their father had bought for this
expedition.
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