Youngster, you belong to the winning side," he ended, turning to Mose, "but it's the unpopular side just now." All this was epic business into which to plunge a boy of eighteen whose hot blood tingled with electric fire at sight of a weapon in the hands of roused and resolute men.

He redoubled his revolver practice, and through Daniel's gossip and especially through the boasting of Jennie, his skill with the revolver soon became known to Delmar, who invited him to visit him for a trial of skill.

"I used to shoot a little myself," he said; "come over and we'll try conclusions." Out of this friendly contest the youth emerged very humble.

The old sheepman dazzled him with his cunning.

He shot equally well from either hand.