I couldn't hit the rail; then I tried the barn door; but I couldn't hit the barn door.

There was nobody in danger except stragglers around on the flanks of that mark.

I was thoroughly discouraged, and I didn't cheer up any when we presently heard pistol-shots over in the next little ravine.

I knew what that was--that was Laird's gang out practising him.

They would hear my shots, and of course they would come up over the ridge to see what kind of a record I was making--see what their chances were against me.