shots were best, and in riding full speed by the target, Billy's were
the truest, and it was called a tie.

"How shall we shoot it off, Billy?" asked the sergeant, who seemed
somewhat nervous.

Billy made no reply, but went to his haversack and took from it an
apple, and going up to his pony placed him in position, the rein over
the horn of the saddle.

The apple he then put on the head of the pony, directly between his
ears, and stepping back while all present closely watched him, he threw
forward his pistol and fired.

The apple flew into fragments and a wild burst of applause came from all
sides, while Billy said quietly:

"I've got another apple, sergeant, for you to try the same on Little
Grey."

"I'll not run the risk, Billy, of killing him, so give in; but I'll win
him back from you sometime," said the sergeant.

"Any time, sergeant, I'm willing to shoot," replied the boy, and with a
happy heart he mounted his prize and set off for home.




CHAPTER V.