“Somebody around these parts is lying,” he said.
Hippy flushed.
“I tell you I did it,” insisted Stacy.
“Be quiet, Stacy. I am speaking with the guard,” rebuked Hippy.
“I won’t. I guess I’ve got a right to talk if I want to. I’ll tell you what happened, Mr. Guard. I woke up and found a big bear coming into my tent, and I grabbed up my gun and shot at him. That’s all there was to it.”
“Did you hit him?” demanded the guard.
“I reckon I did. I never miss what I shoot at,” answered the fat boy boastfully.
The Overlanders groaned under their breaths. Badger, who had got up unnoticed, was standing in the background listening to the conversation. “Have you a guide?” asked the trooper.
“Yes.”
“Why didn’t he prevent the shooting?”