Even Sam, fearing he might be left out, promptly offered the peaceful olive-branch in the shape of a big apple, warm from his pocket, and Mose proposed a trade of jack-knives which would be greatly to Ben's advantage.

But Thorny made the noblest sacrifice of all, for he said to his sister, as they walked home together,-- "I'm not going to try for the prize at all.

I shoot so much better than the rest, having had more practice, you know, that it is hardly fair.
Ben and Billy are next best, and about even, for Ben's strong wrist makes up for Billy's true eye, and both want to win.

If I am out of the way Ben stands a good chance, for the other fellows don't amount to much." "Bab does; she shoots nearly as well as Ben, and wants to win even more than he or Billy.

She must have her chance at any rate." "So she may, but she won't do any thing; girls can't, though it 's good exercise and pleases them to try." "If I had full use of both my arms I'd show you that girls can do a great deal when they like.