A Duke is deer hunting in a forest with his men-at-arms and servants
when he comes upon a tree. Archery targets are painted all over it, and
smack in the middle of each is an arrow.

 

"Who is this incredibly fine archer?" cries the duke. "I must find him."

 

After continuing through the forest for a few miles, he comes across a small boy carrying a bow and
arrow. Eventually the boy admits 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?" asks the duke
worriedly. "No my lord. I shot them from 100 paces. I swear it by all
that I hold holy." "That is truly astonishing," says the duke. "I hereby
admit you into my service.

 

But I must ask one favor in return. 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."