“Well, thir, you can take youah chawnces on it.”
“But I would like to try it.”
Archie stiffly shook his head, fearing inwardly that Merriwell would not exchange at all if he tried the weapon.
“No, thir,” he said; “I have made a wule nevah to let anybody shoot my wifle. You know what I paid faw it, and I know what you paid faw yours. What differwunce will you give between them and take your chawnces?”
Frank thought swiftly. It was plain enough that Elmer did not consider his rifle of any particular value as a shooting gun, and he feared to lose a trade if Frank tried it. It was a Winchester, and had been especially decorated at the factory, so, in all probability, it was a perfect weapon. Otherwise, it would not have left the factory.
Had it not been plainly apparent that the city sportsman wished to beat him in trading, Frank would not have thought of making an offer, knowing his conscience might smite him afterward. Now he said, aloud:
“I don’t think we had better trade, for you will want to change back afterward.”
“No, thir!” cried Archie, stoutly. “If I twade with you, that will thettle it.”
At this moment a step was heard near them, and they turned to see approaching the man who had treated Archie with so much scorn at the hotel.
“Look har, young feller,” he said, glaring at Elmer, who shrunk away, “ef you’re goin’ ter dispose of that rifle, I want ter buy it.”