Clayton repeated his question.
"Thar used to be prime huntin' in these parts when my dad cleared off this spot more'n fifty year ago, but the varmints hev mostly been killed out. But Easter kin tell you better'n I kin, for she does all our huntin', 'n' she kin outshoot 'mos' any man in the mountains."
Yes; I saw her shoot at the match the other day down at the mines."
Did ye? "-a smile of pleasure broke over the old woman's face-" whar she beat Sherd Raines? Sherd wanted to mortify her, but she mortified him, I reckon."
The girl did not join in her mother's laugh, though the corners of her mouth twitched faintly.
I like shooting, myself," said Clayton. "I would go into a match, but I'm afraid I wouldn't have much chance."
"I reckon not, with that short thing? " said the old woman, pointing at his repeating-rifle. "Would ye shoot with that?"
Oh, yes," answered Clayton, smiling; "it shoots very well."
"How fer?"
"Oh, a long way."