"No. Was that what he shot at?"
"That was it."
"I hope he didn't hit him."
"I guess not."
"Chunky seems to be getting more than his share of lead to-day," answered Rector with a chuckle. "Serves him right. It'll teach him to be more prudent."
"I don't think you are exactly in the position to say much yourself," replied Tad, his eyes twinkling mischievously.
Ned flushed to the roots of his hair.
"For goodness' sake, don't tell the crowd how I got jumped on. I am as easy as a baby. I'll never call myself a mountaineer again."
"Never mind. You showed your grit at any rate. You didn't appear to be the least bit scared."
"I wasn't. But honest, Tad, now that I've had time to think it all over, I'm scared stiff right this minute. I believe he would have shot me."