merited, for, on pulling the trigger, the faithless lock

missed fire.

"Lend him another gun," cried several voices.

"'Gainst rules laid down by Major Hope," said

Scraggs.

"Well, so it is; try again."

Varley did try again, and so successfully, too, that

the ball hit the nail on the head, leaving a portion of

the lead sticking to its edge.

Of course this was greeted with a cheer, and a loud