`` You 'd do well to borrow the Squire 's old stuffed owl for a target ; there would be some chance of your hitting him , he is so big , '' said his sister , who always made fun of the boy when he began to brag . Thorny 's only reply was to send his arrow straight up so far out of sight that it was a long while coming down again to stick quivering in the ground near by , whence Sancho brought it in his mouth , evidently highly approving of a game in which he could join . `` Not bad for a beginning . Now , Ben , fire away . '' But Ben 's experience with bows was small , and , in spite of his praiseworthy efforts to imitate his great exemplar , the arrow only turned a feeble sort of somersault and descended perilously near Bab 's uplifted nose . `` If you endanger other people 's life and liberty in your pursuit of happiness , I shall have to confiscate your arms , boys . Take the orchard for your archery ground ; that is safe , and we can see you as we sit here . I wish I had two hands , so that I could paint you a fine , gay target ; '' and Miss Celia looked regretfully at the injured arm , which as yet was of little use . `` I wish you could shoot , too ; you used to beat all the girls , and I was proud of you , '' answered Thorny , with the air of a fond elder brother ; though , at the time he alluded to , he was about twelve , and hardly up to his sister 's shoulder . `` Thank you . I shall be happy to give my place to Bab and Betty if you will make them some bows and arrows ; they could not use those long ones . '' The young gentlemen did not take the hint as quickly as Miss Celia hoped they would ; in fact , both looked rather blank at the suggestion , as boys generally do when it is proposed that girls -- especially small ones -- shall join in any game they are playing . `` P ` r ` aps it would be too much trouble , '' began Betty , in her winning little voice . `` I can make my own , '' declared Bab , with an independent toss of the head . `` Not a bit ; I 'll make you the jolliest small bow that ever was , Belinda , '' Thorny hastened to say , softened by the appealing glance of the little maid . `` You can use mine , Bab ; you 've got such a strong fist , I guess you could pull it , '' added Ben , remembering that it would not be amiss to have a comrade who shot worse than he did , for he felt very inferior to Thorny in many ways , and , being used to praise , had missed it very much since he retired to private life . `` I will be umpire , and brighten up the silver arrow I sometimes pin my hair with , for a prize , unless we can find something better , '' proposed Miss Celia , glad to see that question settled , and every prospect of the new play being a pleasant amusement for the hot weather . It was astonishing how soon archery became the fashion in that town , for the boys discussed it enthusiastically all that evening , formed the `` William Tell Club '' next day , with Bab and Betty as honorary members , and , before the week was out , nearly every lad was seen , like young Norval , `` With bended bow and quiver full of arrows , '' shooting away , with a charming disregard of the safety of their fellow citizens . Banished by the authorities to secluded spots , the members of the club set up their targets and practised indefatigably , especially Ben , who soon discovered that his early gymnastics had given him a sinewy arm and a true eye ; and , taking Sanch into partnership as picker-up , he got more shots out of an hour than those who had to run to and fro . Thorny easily recovered much of his former skill , but his strength had not fully returned , and he soon grew tired .
Bab , on the contrary , threw herself into the contest heart and soul , and tugged away at the new bow Miss Celia gave her , for XXXXX 's was too heavy .
Belinda Ben Betty Club Sancho Squire evening fro hour picker-up