I saw that the larger hen falcon was about to cross directly over the circle of its mate, there being perhaps a distance of ten yards between them.

I aimed; I judged--for a second my mind was a kind of calculating machine--the different arcs and speeds of the birds must be allowed for, and the lowest was ninety yards away.

Then, with something like a prayer upon my lips, I pressed while every eye stared upwards.
Down came the lower falcon; a pause of half a second, and down came the higher one also, falling dead upon its dead mate! Now, even from those Boers, who did not love to see an Englishman excel, there broke a shout of acclamation.

Never had they beheld such a shot as this; nor in truth had I.
"Mynheer Retief," I said, "I gave you notice that I intended to try to kill both of them, did I not ?" "You did.

Allemachte! you did! But tell me, Allan Quatermain, are your eye and hand quite human ?" "You must ask my father," I answered with a shrug as I sat myself down upon my stool and mopped my brow.
The Boers came up with a rush, Marie flying ahead of them like a swallow, and their stout womenfolk waddling behind, and formed a circle round us, all talking at once.