“Then, who will get your two scalps?” persisted Uncle Tom.
“No one—the Black Bears will get yours!” boasted Fred.
Every one laughed at that but the Chief added seriously: “Our two scalps, should we lose, will become the possession of the two Braves opposing, who make the highest scores of individual hits out of the five shots allowed each contestant.”
That was plain and just so they all filed over to the burlap bear.
What a fight that was! The children and inexperienced spearsmen were soon cleared off of the field of action. Paul made a hit but it counted for little as it was not near the red-painted heart of the bear. Dudley scored in the same manner. Elizabeth hit the bear twice but alas! only one spear stuck in so she only scored once. Then they all shouted for a Black Bear. Shingebis stepped forward to try his skill.
The bear was swung erratically but impartially by Captains Ed and Benton. Billy chose his time well and took careful aim. Two of his spears dangled from the bear’s body, one in the very rim of the heart’s circle thus counting ten for his score and the other counting five, making a total of fifteen for his side.
“How! How!” shouted a chorus of voices.
“For the Honour of the Black Bears!” said Billy solemnly.
“Now, watch your Uncle Bill!” cried that worthy, and kerplunk went a spear! It struck the ground below the clumsy beast.
Every one yelled but Uncle Bill had four more trials. In these he netted his side fifteen, which with the three hits of Elizabeth, Paul and Dudley, totalled the Pentagoets eighteen against fifteen of the Black Bears.