Go and try now." Mark hurried on, and threading his way among the trees took a long and careful aim before firing; and, as might be expected, missing.

But as luck had it, the flock rose with a tremendous beating of wings and went right over the major's head, giving him an opportunity to get a couple of good shots, with the result that three more of the great pigeons came crashing down.
"I think I hit one," said Mark as he came panting back, to find that the major and Bruff between them had retrieved all three birds.
"Where is it, then ?" said the major.
"The smoke got in my eyes, and I could not see whether one fell." "Take the dog, then, and see if he can find it," said the major, smiling to himself.

But after a good search the lad came back hot and disappointed.
"Better luck next time, my boy," said the major.

"You are not the only one who did not hit his first bird.

Shooting is not so easy as fishing in the sea." The question now arose whether to go on further or to return.