“I'm ready to do that too, sir,” responded Norton quietly.
“Five hundred dollars, then, that this gentleman in whose success you take so great an interest, can neither equal nor better my next shot!” Murrell had produced a roll of bills as he spoke. Norton colored with embarrassment. Carrington took in the situation.
“Wait a minute—” he said, and passed his purse to Norton.
“Cover his money, sir,” he added briefly.
“Thank you, my horses have run away with most of my cash,” explained Norton.
“Your shot!” said Carrington shortly, to the outlaw.
Murrell taking careful aim, fired, clipping the center.
As soon as the result was known, Carrington raised his rifle; his bullet, truer than his opponent's, drove out the center. Murrell turned on him with an oath.
“You shoot well, but a board stuck against a tree is no test for a man's nerve,” he said insolently.
Carrington was charging his piece.