turally a dispute arose among them as to whether or not those on the
hat were the same kind as those of the dead bird. Some, of course, were
larger than others.

Terry suggested that he bring down another one that the comparison might
be made as to the size and exact color to settle the question as to
whether they were all of the same kind.

"See here, my friend," said one of the gentlemen on the deck, "I'll lay
fifty dollars down here which says that you can't bring down another one
in fifty shots."

"What!" Terry exclaimed, "do you mean to say that I can't bring down
another with fifty shots?"

"That's just what I do, sir."

"Well, you are a very foolish man, if you will excuse the expression."

"Oh, I'll excuse that," said the man, "but I mean just what I say. If
you had a shotgun I wouldn't make the bet, but with your revolver you
couldn't hit another bird on the wing in fifty shots, and if you want to
cover the bet I'll double it with pleasure."

"Do you mind my asking you another question?" Terry inquired.

"No; ask as many as you please."

"Well, I would like to know how much money you have with you."

"Oh, I've got enough to pay all I lose betting on your marksmanship. If
you want to make the bet a hundred, or two hundred, or five hundred,
show your money and I'll cover it."

"My friend, I really don't want your money, but I will make it five
hundred dollars just to show you how foolish you are to make a bet of
that kind with a stranger. Probably if you knew me you wouldn't make
such an offer."

"Never mind who you are, I'm betting on the marksmanship," and the
fellow drew a big roll of money from his pocket and began to count it to
the amount of five hundred dollars.

"All right," and Terry proceeded to count out five hundred dollars which
he asked the young lady from New Orleans to hold for him, saying that
she would be his stake holder.

"Oh, my! What if I run away with it?"

"Oh, I'll take the chances of it," laughed Terry.

CHAPTER III.

HOW FRED, TERRY AND EVELYN RETURNED TO TEXAS.

The other passenger also handed his roll of bills to Miss Elon, and,
looking at Terry, said:

"Now, go ahead."

"Wait a few moments," said Terry, "until one flies over the deck, so
that he will drop down in order that the ladies may examine his wings."

"All right; take your time," and, while he was standing around waiting
he asked the young lady who was holding the money who the young man was.

"