inch of Master Sharp's. "Shoot away," said Sharp; "but you must understand
the rules. We settled them before you came. You are to have three shots
with your own arrows. Nobody is to borrow or lend. So shoot away."

24. John seized his second arrow; "If I have any luck," said he;--but just
as he pronounced the word "luck," the string broke, and the arrow fell
from his hands.

25. Master Sharp. There! It is all over with you.

26. Ben. Here is my bow for him, and welcome.

27. Master Sharp. No, no, sir; that is not fair. Did you not hear the
rules? There is to be no lending.

28. It was now Ben's turn to make his trial. His first arrow missed the
mark; the second was exactly as near as John's first. Before venturing the
last arrow, Ben very prudently examined the string of his bow; and, as he
pulled it to try its strength, it snapped.

29. Master Sharp clapped his hands and danced for joy. But his dancing
suddenly ceased, when careful Ben drew out of his pocket an excellent
piece of cord, and began to tie it to the bow.

30. "The everlasting whipcord, I declare!" cried John. "Yes," said Ben, "I
put it in my pocket today, because I thought I might want it."

31. Ben's last arrow won the prize; and when the bow and arrows were
handed to him, John said, "How valuable that whipcord has been to you,
Ben. I'll take care how I waste anything hereafter."