2O ADVENTURES OF DR. ALLEN. 



old. That event is still photographed on my memory, as 

 clearly as is the bright spring morning down in the corn- 

 field, where the red bird and chipmunk were then in part- 

 nership in harvesting the newly planted corn. 



As the years passed, I began my rambles through the 

 forests, with my mother as guide, for she was in constant 

 fear when I was out of her sight. On one occasion I stole 

 out alone with my old Kentucky rifle and soon found a large 

 gray squirrel culling nuts in a hickory tree. With the tread 

 of a cat I soon located him and prepared the limb of a dog- 

 wood tree for a rest. When the stinging report broke the 

 stillness of that grand old forest, centuries old, down came 

 my prize. With a joyful heart I took the trophy home. My 

 people were delighted and I was then privileged to tramp 

 the forests at my will. I was devoted to that old gun, and, 

 as the days went by, I became a marksman of no small skill. 

 For the amusement of my boy friends I would shoot the 

 clapper out of a cowbell at forty yards distance, or could cut 

 off a pig's tail with a rifle ball as though with a knife. 



In 1864 my mother remarried and moved to Centerville, 

 Iowa. Here I soon became noted for my daring and mark- 

 manship. Presently I became acquainted with the city gun- 

 smith, and, after showing him some of my feats with the 

 rifle, he accepted me as an apprentice. I worked with a will 

 at my new trade, for I was devoted to anything pertaining 

 to a gun. After a few months I undertook to make myself 

 a gun, every part of which should be my work. I set my 

 tapered barrel in the guide and commenced my labor of 

 love. As the rifles were cut, one by one, and the trimmings 

 placed, I could see that a gun was being formed and was 

 pleased beyond words. After three weeks we went to the 

 testing field. Judge of my surprise when my instructor, 

 with my rifle, drove seven balls into a stump four hundred 



