The Boy Archer
A Duke was hunting in the forest with his men-at-arms and servants when he came across a tree. Upon it, archery targets were painted and smack in the middle of each was an arrow.
- Who is this incredibly fine archer? - cried the duke.
- I must find him!
After continuing through the forest for a few miles he came across a small boy carrying a bow and arrow. Eventually the boy admitted that it was he who shot the arrows plumb in the center of all the targets.
- You didn't just walk up to the targets and hammer the arrows into the middle, did you? - asked the duke worriedly.
- No my lord. I shot them from a hundred paces. I swear it by all that I hold holy.
- That is truly astonishing - said the duke.
- I hereby admit you into my service.
The boy thanked him profusely.
- But I must ask one favor in return - the duke continued.
- You must tell me how you came to be such an outstanding shot.
- Well, - said the boy - first I fire the arrow at the tree......and then I paint the target around it.