Every member of the gun club present, together with those who, like Badger, were being permitted to shoot through the favor of members, and all the spectators, as well, knew now that Badger and Merriwell had finally pitted themselves against each other in a friendly shooting contest, with the chances in favor of a tie.
Hodge was hardly able to breathe, and Harry Rattleton was fidgeting uneasily.

The spectators craned their necks as Badger, whose trial came first, walked into position with an air of easy confidence, that dark, determined smile disfiguring his face.
"I'm afraid your chances are gone, Merriwell!" droned Dismal Jones.

"'We never miss the water till the well runs dry.'" "Keep still," grunted Browning, "or you'll make me nervous!" "I wish somebody would make Badger nervous!" wailed Bink.
"Sing out that a queen bee is coming for him!" urged Danny, in an undertone.
"Keep still!" said Merriwell.
Badger balanced his gun, called "Pull!" and threw it into position as the birds sprang from the trap.
A deafening explosion followed.

The gun was torn to pieces and Badger was hurled backward to the ground..