This they
gave up, because, with the utmost care, they occasionally got a
fall, when galloping, from the armadillo holes, and the shock was
greatly increased from the weight of the gun, besides the risk, to
any one riding near, of the gun exploding. When riding quietly, and
upon the lookout for game, they carried the gun in readiness upon
their arms.
It was after one of these rides, when Hubert had brought down with
a bullet a swan which was making for his bed in the river, that
Maud said at tea:
"I wish we could shoot too; it would be a great amusement, and I
should enjoy my rides a good deal more if I knew that I could take
a shot in case a lion or a deer came out."
"Well, girls," Mr. Hardy said, "I had always intended that you
should learn to shoot. We have had so much to do since you came
here that I did not think of it, and I had besides intended to wait
until one of you expressed a desire to learn. I brought out three
light rook-shooting rifles on purpose for you and your mamma, and
you can begin to-morrow morning if you like."
"Oh, thank you, papa, thank you very, very much; that will be
nice!" both the girls exclaimed, clapping their hands in their
excitement.
"And what do you say, mamma?" Mr. Hardy asked.
"No, thank you," Mrs.
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