But the grand peculiarity about it, and that which afterwards rendered it the mystery of mysteries to the savages, was that it had two sets of locks--one percussion, the other flint--so that, when caps failed, by taking off the one set of locks and affixing the others, it was converted into a flint rifle.

The major, however, took care never to run short of caps, so that the flint locks were merely held as a reserve in case of need.
"Now, lads," cried Major Hope, stepping up to the point whence they were to shoot, "remember the terms.

He who first drives the nail obtains the rifle, Fan, and her pup, and accompanies me to the nearest settlement.

Each man shoots with his own gun, and draws lots for the chance." "Agreed," cried the men.
"Well, then, wipe your guns and draw lots.

Henri will fix the nail.
Here it is." The individual who stepped, or rather plunged forward to receive the nail was a rare and remarkable specimen of mankind.