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 do n'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 wo n't do any thing ; girls ca n'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 . Do n't be too lofty , young man , for you may have to come down , '' laughed Miss Celia , amused by his airs . `` No fear , '' and Thorny calmly departed to set his targets for Ben 's practice . `` We shall see , '' and from that moment Miss Celia made Bab her especial pupil , feeling that a little lesson would be good for Mr. Thorny , who rather lorded it over the other young people . There was a spice of mischief in it , for Miss Celia was very young at heart , in spite of her twenty-four years , and she was bound to see that her side had a fair chance , believing that girls can do whatever they are willing to strive patiently and wisely for . So she kept Bab at work early and late , giving her all the hints and help she could with only one efficient hand , and Bab was delighted to think she did well enough to shoot with the club . Her arms ached and her fingers grew hard with twanging the bow , but she was indefatigable , and being a strong , tall child of her age , with a great love of all athletic sports , she got on fast and well , soon learning to send arrow after arrow with ever increasing accuracy nearer and nearer to the bull 's - eye . The boys took very little notice of her , being much absorbed in their own affairs , but Betty did for Bab what Sancho did for Ben , and trotted after arrows till her short legs were sadly tired , though her patience never gave out . She was so sure Bab would win that she cared nothing about her own success , practising little and seldom hitting any thing when she tried . CHAPTER XX BEN 'S BIRTHDAY A superb display of flags flapped gayly in the breeze on the September morning when Ben proudly entered his teens . An irruption of bunting seemed to have broken out all over the old house , for banners of every shape and size , color and design , flew from chimney-top to gable , porch and gate-way , making the quiet place look as lively as a circus tent , which was just what Ben most desired and delighted in . The boys had been up very early to prepare the show , and when it was ready enjoyed it hugely , for the fresh wind made the pennons cut strange capers . The winged lion of Venice looked as if trying to fly away home ; the Chinese dragon appeared to brandish his forked tail as he clawed at the Burmese peacock ; the double-headed eagle of Russia pecked at the Turkish crescent with one beak , while the other seemed to be screaming to the English royal beast , `` Come on and lend a paw . '' In the hurry of hoisting the Siamese elephant got turned upside down , and now danced gayly on his head , with the stars and stripes waving proudly over him .
A green flag with a yellow harp and sprig of shamrock hung in sight of the kitchen window , and Katy , the cook , got breakfast to the tune of `` St. Patrick 's day in the XXXXX . ''
Bab Betty English Sancho Thorny Turkish Venice XX beak morning