gun."

" Jes you wait 'n' see," answered the girl, shortly, and Raines, after
a questioning look, rejoined the group.

"I won't take the gun ef I win it," he said to them; "but she air
gittin' too set up an' proud, 'n' I'm goin' to do my best to take her
down a bit."

There was nothing boastful or malicious in his manner or speech,
and nobody doubted that he would win, for there were few
marksmen in the mountains his equals, and he would have the
advantage of using his own gun.

"Look hyeh," said a long, thin mountaineer, coming up to the
group, "thar ain't but one turkey left, 'n' I'd like to know what we
air goin' to shoot at ef Sherd 'n' Easter gits a crack at him."

In the interest of the match no one had thought of that, and a
moment of debate followed, which Clayton ended by stepping
forward.

"I'll furnish a turkey for the rest of you," he said.

The girl turned when he spoke and gave him a quick glance, but
averted her eyes instantly.

Clayton's offer was accepted, and the preliminary trial to decide
who should shoot first at the turkey was begun. Every detail was
watched with increasing interest. A piece of white paper marked