I was afraid that I could not hold it out steadily, even for a moment, it was so very heavy--I threw it up with a desperate effort and fired.

The neck of the bottle flew up in the air a full yard, and then disappeared.

I was amazed myself at my success.

Every body was surprised, but as every body attributed it to long practice, they were not so much astonished as I was, who knew it was wholly owing to chance.

It was a lucky hit, and I made the most of it; success made me arrogant, and boy-like, I became a boaster.
"Ah," said I coolly, "you must be born with a rifle in your hand, Captain, to shoot well.