Stacy regarded Ned solemnly.

“Ned Rector, I don’t usually acknowledge you to be right in matters like this, but I’m going to admit before the whole company that you’ve told the truth for once in your—–­”

“I always tell the truth,” broke in Ned.

“—–­life,” finished the fat boy.  “I was, as our distinguished fellow—–­tenderfoot says, scared stiff.  But if the truth were known, I’ll wager that he was hiding behind a rock when that same shooting was going on.”

Rector flushed a rosy red, which brought a howl from the boys.  It was plain that Chunky had touched him in a tender spot.

“Come now, you boys, if you want to try some more,” called the Ranger.

“What now?” asked Tad.

“I want to see how you are on the draw—–­quick.”  The captain trimmed a piece of paper down to about the size of a silver dollar.  This he pinned to a tree, then measuring off twenty paces, faced the mark, spun about on his toes, making two complete whirls and drove a bullet right into the center of the target, having drawn his revolver as he turned.  It was a splendid piece of shooting.

The professor missed.  He did not even hit the tree.  Tad took a piece out of the edge of the target the first time.  The second he placed a bullet just inside the outer edge, which McKay pronounced to be excellent shooting.  That was high praise from a man like Billy McKay.

Ned did not know whether he wanted to try that shot or not.  McKay explained how to draw quickly and at what point of the whirl to draw, but try as he would Rector could not hit the mark.  Once he chipped a piece of bark from the tree, which brought a yell from the boys.

“The trouble with you lads is that you grip your guns too tightly.  Take a light hold on the butt of your revolver.  Toy with it.  It’s the fellow with the feather-weight touch that does the best work with the revolver.  He is the man to look out for.”

“That’s the way I always shoot,” declared Chunky pompously.  “If there’s one shot that I can make better than another it’s that one you fellows have been trying.  Why, I could pink that target with my eyes shut.”

“Try it.  See what you can do.  Perhaps you may beat us all, who knows?” grinned McKay.

“I don’t say that I can beat you, but I can shoot as well as these amateurs who have been trying it.  I can—–­”

“Look here, are you going to make that shot, Chunky?” demanded Rector.

“Yes.  Got any objections?” asked Chunky turning to Rector with great deliberation.

“Not the least, if you’d kindly hold your fire till I can get behind a rock or a thick tree.”

“Yes, that’s the place for you, I reckon.  All ready, Mr. McKay?”

“It’s up to you,” smiled the Ranger.  “Does it make any particular difference to you which way I whirl?” asked the fat boy.

“Not in the least.  You may stand on your head and whirl if it will suit you better.”