One evening, after Yung Pak had finished his supper, he sat talking with
his father and Wang Ken.

The early evening hour was often spent in this way. It was a time of day
when Ki Pak was generally free from any official duty, and he was glad
to devote a little time to his son. He would inquire about the boy's
studies as well as about his sports, and Yung Pak would regale his
father with many an amusing incident or tell him something he had
learned during study hours. Sometimes he would tell of the sights he had
seen on the streets of Seoul, while on other occasions he would give
account of games with his playmates or of his success in shooting with a
bow and arrow.

This latter sport was very common with the men and boys of Korea. It was
approved by the king for the national defence in time of war, and often
rewards were offered by rich men for winners in contests. Most Korean
gentlemen had private archery grounds and targets in the gardens near
their houses.

Ki Pak had an arrow-walk and target in his garden, and here it was that
Yung Pak used to practise almost daily. He often, too, invited other
boys to enjoy the sport with him.

At regular times every year public contests in arrow-shooting were held,
and costly prizes were offered to the winners by the king. The prizes
were highly valued by those who secured them, and Yung Pak looked
forward with eager anticipation to the day when he should be old enough
and skilful enough to take part in these contests.