little embarrassment when the girl carelessly glanced over him
with no sign of recognition. Her rifle was an old flint-lock of light
build, but nearly six feet in length, with a shade of rusty tin two
feet long fastened to the barrel to prevent the sunlight from
affecting the marksman's aim. She wore a man's hat, which, with
unintentional coquetry, was perched on one side of her head. Her
hair was short, and fell as it pleased about her neck. She was
bare-footed, and apparently clad in a single garment, a blue
homespun gown, gathered loosely at her uncorseted waist, and
showing the outline of the bust and every movement of the tall,
supple form beneath. Her appearance had quickened the interest of
the spectators, and apparently was a disturbing influence among
the contestants, who were gathered together, evidently in dispute.
From their glances Clayton saw that Easter was the subject of it.

"I guess they don't want her to shoot-them that hain't won nothin',"
said Uncle Tommy.

She hev come in late," Clayton heard one say, " 'n' she oughtn' to
shoot. Thar hain't no chance shootin' ag'in her noways, 'n' I'm in
favor o' barrin' her out."

Oh no; let her shoot "-the voice was Raines's. "Thar hain't nothin'
but a few turkeys left, 'n' ye'd better bar out the gun 'stid o' the gal,
anyway, fer that gun kin outshoot any-thing in the mountains."

The girl had been silently watching the group as if puzzled; and
when Raines spoke her face tightened with sudden decision, and
she strode swiftly toward them in time to overhear the young
mountaineer's last words.