He was absorbed in contemplating the forest on the opposite shore of the river.
"Well, boys, I guess we are ready for the fun," called Col.

Zane, cheerily.

"Only one shot apiece, mind you, except in case of a tie.
Now, everybody shoot his best." The first contest was a shooting match known as "driving the nail." It was as the name indicated, nothing less than shooting at the head of a nail.

In the absence of a nail--for nails were scarce--one was usually fashioned from a knife blade, or an old file, or even a piece of silver.

The nail was driven lightly into the stake, the contestants shot at it from a distance as great as the eyesight permitted.