Part 32 (1/2)

”Certainly. We are speaking of shooting now, and not at a tin can. You have to allow for the jump of the muzzle. Unless you hold it down with your wrist, you over shoot; and it's the first shot that counts. Of course, there's a feel, a knack. But don't aim with your eyes. You won't have time. Men file off the front sight--it sometimes catches, in the draw. And it's useless, anyway. They fire as they point with the finger, by the feel. You see, they _know_.”

”Evidently you do, too, madam,” I faltered, amazed.

”Not all,” she panted. ”But I've heard the talk; I've watched--I've seen many things, sir, from Omaha to Benton. Oh, I wish I could tell you more; I wish I could help you right away. I meant, a dead-shot with the revolver knows beforehand, in the draw, where his bullet shall go. Some men are born to shoot straight; some have to practice a long, long while. I wonder which you are.”

”If there is pressing need in my case,” said I, ”I shall have to rely upon my friends to keep me from being done for.”

”You?” she uttered, with a touch of asperity. ”Oh, yes. Pish, sir!

Friends, I am learning, have their own hides to consider. And those gentlemen of yours are Gentiles with goods for Salt Lake Mormons. Are they going to throw all business to the winds?”

”You yourself may appeal to his father, and to the women, for protection if that lout annoys you,” I ventured.

”To them?” she scoffed. ”To Hyrum Adams' outfit? Why, they're Mormons and good Mormons, and why should I not be made over? I'm under their teachings; I am Edna, already; it's time Daniel had a wife--or two, for replenis.h.i.+ng Utah. Rachael calls me 'sister,' and I can't resent it. Good at heart as she is, even she is convinced. Why,” and she laughed mirthlessly, ”I may be sealed to Hyrum himself, if nothing worse is in store. Then I'll be a.s.sured of a seat with the saints.”

”You can depend upon me, then. I'll protect you, I'll fight for you, and I'll kill for you,” I was on the point of roundly declaring; but didn't.

Her kind, I remembered, had spelled ruin upon the pages of men more experienced than I. Therefore out of that super-caution born of Benton, I stupidly said nothing.

She had paused, expectant. She resumed.

”But no matter. Here I am, and here you are. We were speaking of shooting.

This is a lesson in shooting, not in marrying, isn't it? As to the pressing need, you must decide. You've seen and heard enough for that. I like you, sir; I respect your spirit and I'm sorry I led you into misadventure. Now if I may lend you a little something to keep you from being shot like a dog, I'll feel as though I had wiped out your score against me. Take your gun.” I took it, the b.u.t.t warm from her clasp.

”There he is. Cover him!”

”Where?” I asked. ”Who?”

”There, before you. Oh, anybody! Think of his heart and cover him. I want to see you hold.”

I aimed, squinting.

”No, no! You'll not have time to close an eye; both eyes are none too many. And you are awkward; you are stiff.” She readjusted my arm and fingers. ”That's better. You see that little rock? Hit it. c.o.c.k your weapon, first. Hold firmly, not too long. There; I think you're going to hit it, but hold low, low, with the wrist. Now!”

I fired. The sand obscured the rock. She clapped her hands, delighted.

”You would have killed him. No--he would have killed you. Quick! Give it to me!”

And s.n.a.t.c.hing the revolver she c.o.c.ked, leveled and fired instantly. The rock split into fragments.

”I would have killed him,” she murmured, gazing tense, seeing I knew not what. Wrenching from the vision she handed back the revolver to me. ”I think you're going to do, sir. Only, you must learn to draw. I can tell you but I can't show you. The men will. You must draw swiftly, decisively, without a halt, and finger on trigger and thumb on hammer and be ready to shoot when the muzzle clears the scabbard. It's a trick.”

”Like this?” I queried, trying.

”Partly. But it's not a sword you're drawing; it's a gun. You may draw laughing, if you wish to dissemble for a sudden drop; they do, when they have iron in their heart and the bullet already on its way, in their mind.

I mustn't stay longer. Shall we go to the fire now? I am cold.” She s.h.i.+vered. ”Daniel is waiting. And when you've delivered me safe you'd better leave me, please.”

”Why so?”

She smiled, looking me straight in the eyes.