are you couldn't find a way to hold on, and shoot at the same time.
Here, let me take that thing, Step Hen; you're that nervous. If
anything did happen to fluster you, I honestly believe you'd up and bang
away, and perhaps fill our chum with bird-shot in the bargain."

Step Hen disavowed any such weakness, but nevertheless he was apparently
glad to hand over the weapon; because he realized that Allan knew much
better how to use firearms than he did, and if there was any occasion
for shooting, the responsibility would be off his shoulders; for Step
Hen never liked to find himself placed where he was in the limelight and
had to make good, or be disgraced.

Thad did not appear to be at all worried, as he took a last good look
aloft, as though wishing to assure himself that there was no panther in
sight among the thick branches above, before he trusted himself up
there.

His good common sense told him that the chances were as ten to one that
Davy had not seen what he claimed at all; but his fears had worked
overtime, and simply magnified some trifling thing.

Of course had Thad really believed there was any chance of meeting such
a savage beast as a panther he would never have ventured w make that
climb; or if he did he must have surely taken the gun along with him.

The others gathered around near the foot of the tree, and tried to
follow the daring climber with their eyes, meanwhile exchanging more or
less humorous remarks in connection with his mission.

All of them, saving possibly Allan, seemed to be a little nervous