ing to the rifle range,
and there practised with their pistols and their rifles until it was time
to return to the Hall for roll call and the drill before breakfast.

"Well, we may not win, but we'll make some kind of a showing," remarked
Fred.

It was a clear day, the air just bracing enough to put the cadets of
Colby Hall in good spirits. When the time came for the contest nearly all
of them hurried to the range.

"Now then, Lest, show 'em what you can do!" cried Paul Halliday.

"The Rovers won't have a look-in!" broke out Billy Sands. "It will be a
regular walk-away for Lest."

"Don't be so sure of that," answered Gif.

"Brassy may be all right enough with a pistol; but don't forget that Jack
and Fred know how to handle a rifle," added Spouter.

A coin was tossed up and it was thereby decided that the contest with
pistols should take place first. Each contestant was to shoot three
times, the rings on the target counting from 1 to 5. The three
contestants were to shoot in rotation, Fred first, Brassy second, and
Jack last.

If Fred was a trifle nervous when he went to the front to shoot, he did
his best to control it. Taking as careful aim as possible, he fired.

"A three!"

"That's good enough for a starter!"

With a self-satisfied look on his face, Brassy Bangs strode forward, took
quick aim, and fired.

"A bull's-eye!" shouted Billy Sands in delight.

"I told you he could do it!" added Paul Halliday.

When Jack came to the front he managed to make a 4.

"That's the stuff!" cried Randy. "You're only one point behind!"

On the second round Fred managed to make a 4, while Jack scored a 3, thus
tying the Rovers. Brassy scored a 4.

"Seven to nine in favor of Bangs!"

Then came the third round, and again Fred scored a 3 and Jack did
likewise, while Brassy delighted his cronies by scoring another
bull's-eye.

"A total of ten each for the Rovers!"

"And fourteen for Bangs!"

"I told you Lest could hold 'em down!" shouted Billy Sands.

"Just wait till they shoot with the rifles. He'll walk away from 'em!"
added Paul Halliday.

It must be admitted that the Rovers and their chums were somewhat
disappointed that the score stood four points in favor of Brassy.

"Now, Fred, do your best," whispered Andy to his cousin, as the latter
went to the front after carefully examining the rifle handed to him by
Captain Dale.

The firearm was a light affair, but of approved pattern and supposed to
be quit