"We won't talk about it!" said Merriwell, turning away.
"I've a right to think what I please," Badger grumbled, following him. "He thinks you can beat me shooting. He was afraid I would. I can beat you, and I'd like to do it, to spite Bart Hodge."
"I don't think you are in any condition to do more shooting."
"Oh, I'm all right!" Badger rather snappishly declared, his heart hot against Hodge. "Don't let anything of that kind worry you, Merriwell. I want to shoot at ten double rises against you—ten double rises at unknown angles. You've declared that you haven't tried to shoot. I dare you to give me this trial. The numbness is going out of my arm, and it will soon be all right. And I warn you not to throw away any shots!"
They were near the excited crowd.
"All right, Buckrum!" Merriwell answered. "I'll try you, if you're so anxious!"
"We'll buy shells here. And that gun——"
"Perhaps you think there was something the matter with the gun?"
"Oh, I'll buy you another gun!" growled Badger.
Frank flushed.