So, the boys painted a large target on a packing case and set it up against a rock where a clear range could be had. Uncle Tom chose a spot where no danger to passing boatmen could be incurred.
The spy-glass was trained upon the target and each boy was allowed five shots each turn. The use of the glass obviated the many tiresome trips to and from the target to count the score for every boy.
Only between the turns did the Captain go to the board and put a dab of paint on the marks made by each boy. During these intervals no one was allowed to load or handle a gun.
Captain Ed made a splendid score with Fred’s Marlin 38–55 but Paul and Dudley took a long time to get the proper range and sight. Their bullets cut into the ledges right and left so that the Captain laughed heartily.
“When we need more blastin’ done there’s no use wastin’ money for dynamite—we’ll jus’ ask you two boys to aim at Treasure Cove and your fire will blow off the top of the ledges!”
The others tittered but were too much engaged to care much whether the Captain joshed them or not. Then, Fred, who stood at the spy-glass called, “A hit for Paul!”
That spurred Dudley to better work so when it came his turn to try he took great pains to aim carefully and was rewarded by seeing the splinters fly from the packing-case.
Evening came all too soon for the joy of firing real rifles was intoxicating to the boys. They begged Uncle Tom to be sure and come over every day, as early in the morning as he could get away.
“Oh, but I’m scheduled to take the girls out on some of these days,” he protested. “However, I’ll try to get in some regular practising hours with you boys.”
The rifle-range was almost forgotten the next morning when Captain Ed brought in the mail. An answer from Mr. Remington to Billy’s plea for the launch, authorised him to “Go ahead and get it if the Captain says it is all right!”