It's killed squirrels, an' rabbits, an' wil' turkeys an' catamounts, an' b'ars, an' now I reckon it's goin' to hunt higher game." The man was talking very quietly, but when Dick caught the light in his eye he knew that he meant every word.

It was a cold, implacable look, and the face of the mountaineer was like that of an avenging fate.
"I loaded it with uncommon care," he continued, looking affectionately at his rifle, and then looking up again, "an' now that the colonel's glasses hev showed the way I kin see that feller peepin' from roun' his bush, tryin' to git another shot, mebbe at me an' mebbe at you.

It's a long carry, but I'm shore to hit.

I had a chance at him then, but I 'low to wait a little!" "Why do you wait ?" asked Dick curiously.
"I'm givin' him time to say his prayers." "Why, he doesn't know that you're going to shoot at him, and he wouldn't pray, even if he did." "Mebbe not, but I was raised right, an' I know my duty.

I ain't goin' to send no man to kingdom without givin' him _time_ to pray.