He had instructed Frank in his methods, and had given him one of the long blowguns used by some of the hill tribes in India.

The boy had attained such dexterity in its use that he was able with his clay pellets to bring down sitting birds, however small, with almost unerring accuracy.
These he stuffed and mounted, arranging them with a taste and skill which delighted the few visitors at his mother's cottage.
Frank was ready to join in a game of football or cricket when wanted, and could hold his own in either.

But he vastly preferred to go out for long walks with his blowgun, his net, and his collecting boxes.

At home every moment not required for the preparation of his lessons was spent in mounting and arranging his captures.

He was quite ready to follow the course his father proposed for him, and to enter the army.