ticular attention.

Most of these men were well practised in the use of the rifle, but
evidently not to exhibiting their skill in company. What seemed to Bob a
rather _exaggerated_ earnestness oppressed them. The shooting, with two
exceptions, was not good. Several, whom Bob strongly suspected had many
a time brought down their deer on the run, even missed the target
entirely! It was to be remarked that each contestant, though he might
turn red beneath his tan, took the announcement of the result in
silence.

The two notable exceptions referred to were strangely contrasted. The
elder was one of the prospectors. He was armed with an ancient 45-70
Winchester, worn smooth and shiny by long carrying in a saddle holster.
This arm was fitted with buckhorn sights of the old mountain type. When
it exploded, its black powder blew forth a stunning detonation and
volume of smoke. Nevertheless, of the three bullets, two were within the
tiny black Thorne had seen fit to mark as bullseye, and the other
clipped close to its edge. A murmur of admiration went up from the
bystanders. Even eliminating the unaccountable nervousness that had
thrown so many shots wild, it seemed improbable that any of the other
contestants felt themselves qualified to equal this score.

"Good shooting," whispered Bob to Amy. "I doubt if I could make out that
bullseye through sights."

The other exception, whose turn came somewhat later, was one of the
Easterners mentioned as a graduate of the forestry school. This young
man, not over twenty-two years of age, was an attractive youngster, with
refined features, and engaging dark-blue eyes. His arm was the then
latest model, a 33-calibre high power, fitted with aperture sights. This
he manipulated with great care, adjusting it again and again; and fired
with such deliberation that some of the spectators moved impatiently.
Nevertheless, the target, on examination, showed that he had duplicated
the prospector's score. To be sure, the worst shot had not cut quite as
close to the bull as had that of the older man, but on the other hand,
those in the black were slightly nearer the centre. It was generally
adjudged a good tie.

"Well, youngster!" cried the prospector, heartily, "we're the cocks of
the walk! If you can handle the other weep'n as well, I'll give you my
hand for a good shot."

The young man smiled shyly, but said nothing.

The distance was now shortened to something under twenty paces, and a
ne