Merry secured a quick but careful aim and fired. Then, with Bruce, he walked forward to see the result of the shot.
The result proved entirely satisfactory, for Frank had cut out the spot on the card.
“That settles it,” said Frank. “I knew well enough that this rifle must shoot perfectly unless it had been damaged since leaving the factory, Mr. Elmer.”
There was no answer, and both Yale men turned to look for the city sportsmen, expecting to find them near at hand. What was their astonishment to see Archie and Cholly hastening away toward the village as fast as their legs would carry them.
“Why, they didn’t wait to see the result of the shot!” exclaimed Frank, not a little surprised.
“Huh!” grunted Browning. “It’s plain they thought you wouldn’t hit the card; that’s why they didn’t stay.”
Frank began to laugh again.
“And I’ll wager something they were afraid I would want to trade back, for all of what I said.”
“That’s it,” grinned Bruce. “That’s why they are running away.”
“Well, let them go. Perhaps Elmer would not have been so perfectly satisfied with his trade had he remained to see me try this rifle. Of course, I did not want to beat the fellow, for he had a generous fit after my little encounter with Dugan, and he actually offered me the weapon as a gift.”