Dan shot twice more in rapid succession. Both arrows landed in the yellow. The boy now had shot four times for a total of 27 points.
“Do it again, Dan!” yelled Red.
Dan, however, was less sure of himself on the next shot. The arrow dug into the target on the rim of the gold.
Lest there be any argument, Mr. Hatfield ruled that it had fallen within the next band of color. Dan was awarded 7 points.
“That ties the score!” whooped Midge. “You’ll win easily now, Dan.”
The words unnerved Dan. As he raised his bow to make the final shot, he could feel his arm tremble. When he finally released the arrow, it missed the target.
“Buck fever,” Dan laughed, putting down his bow. “I guess I deserve to lose out to Ross.”
“But you haven’t,” Mr. Hatfield informed him. “You’re both tied with 34 points. Now you’ll have to shoot again.”
Ross had jumped up from the grass. “I don’t want to do that,” he protested. “My arm is sore. I hit the target every time while Dan missed twice. Doesn’t that prove—”
“Not a thing,” said Mr. Hatfield. “Well, Ross, if you’re unwilling to shoot again, suppose we settle it by drawing lots?”