Drawing out his chalk, he marked a ring round the mouth of the bore.
“There,” he exclaimed, “that makes a good target and the hole containing the explosive is the bull’s-eye.”
“Hitting which in this case may mean annihilation, swift and terrible,” said the professor dryly.
“We must make up our minds to take that chance,” said Mr. Chillingworth firmly, and Tom was rejoiced to see that the rancher’s nerve had come back.
“Will you take the first shot?” he asked, handing the pistol to the rancher.
The Kanakas gazed on curiously. They had been told of the daring attempt that was to be made, and had no objection. A shrug of the shoulders was their way of saying:
“As well death one way as another.”
Mr. Chillingworth accepted the pistol and weighed it curiously to ascertain its balance.
“A nice little weapon,” he said, in a calm voice.
“I think we had all better shake hands,” said the professor, “before we retire to the rear of the cave.”