the effect, such as it was, was sufficient to disconcert the aim of
Jim Scraggs, who fired at the same instant, and missed the nail by a
hair's-breadth.

'Turning round in towering wrath, Scraggs aimed a kick at the poor
pup, which, had it taken effect, would certainly have terminated the
innocent existence of that remarkable dog on the spot; but quick as
lightning Henri interposed the butt of his rifle, and Jim's shin met
it with a violence that caused him to howl with rage and pain.

"Oh! pardon me, broder," cried Henri, shrinking back, with the
drollest expression of mingled pity and glee.

Jim's discretion, on this occasion, was superior to his valour; he
turned away with a coarse expression of anger and left the ground.

Meanwhile the major handed the silver rifle to young Varley. "It
couldn't have fallen into better hands," he said. "You'll do it
credit, lad, I know that full well; and let me assure you it will
never play you false. Only keep it clean, don't overcharge it, aim
true, and it will never miss the mark."

While the hunters crowded round Dick to congratulate him and examine
the piece, he stood with a mingled feeling of bashfulness and delight
at his unexpected good fortune. Recovering himself suddenly, he seized
his old rifle, and dropping quietly to the outskirts of the crowd,
while the men were still busy handling and discussing the merits of
the prize, went up, unobserved, to a boy of about thirteen years of
age, and touched him on the shoulder.