The Potter journal. [volume] (Coudersport, Pa.) 1857-1872, 1861-12-25

tHeH was lamed as Snafp shooter, ana
particularly we'll skilled in the use OF the
rifle.
A target, representing an Indian chief.
was placed at one hundred rods distant
at the appointed time, the three already
recruiting rangers and Seth Stark took
their positions in front of the company of
Rangers to witness the apparently une-
quail contest. Two men were detailed to
stand withia six rods on either side of
the painted Indian, to make record of
each successive shot, and before they
left the ranks their comrades made many
good natured but satirical remarks at the
expense of the cross eyed volunteer.
"Bill Burton, be keerful where you
stand when that chap blazes away" said
ranger to one of the target, "the safest
place will be behind it.
Better get under the bank, Bill,
there's 20 calculating where his bullets
nay strike" said another.
Il think the only sure place is in the
rear of the breech," said third
Almost every one of the corps volun-
teered a jocose opinion in reference to
the crooked eyed crooked formed, and
otherwise crooked backwoodsman, some
of which reached the ears of Seth. who
suddenly facing the company, while they
were at ease, said: "perhaps as how
some on ye wud like to bet sum on
them ere three sharp shooters ?" said
Seth, pulling ou: from his capacious
looking pocket greasy wallet, which
seemed rather plethoric of bank bills, con
sidering the coarse, seedy gear of the ri.
hcman. 'I'll lay ye anything from Il
sheet of gingerbread TO u tew dollar bill
that I'll take the 'seit out o you or your
sharp shooters at a rife shootiu', wrasln',
huggin', regular knock deown ard drag
eout fight"
"I'll bet you dollar you don't hit the
board once ont Of three times" said one
OF the rangers.
"Done-i |! take the bet, and double
the stakes" replied Seth, drawing forth
a one dollar note, and placing 1t in the
hands Of the orderly sergeant, while the
ranger did likewise
"l'll 60 you five that you will be
beaten at every round said another ran
ger.
''P!aHk your suet-skin." said Seth.
"l'll lay five that you don't put
single shot within the outer circle OF the
bulls eye" offered Il third
"Waal, l don't mind taking that ere
bet tew," said Seth prod lcing the money.
't'll go fifty cents you don't hi, the
bulls eye oace,'' saId more cautious
membeT Of the Ethan Allen corps.
plank your money, genteman-Tnl m
good for dozen OF tew more just sich
wagers-hev 'em all down, Mister Ser
eeant, so there cant be 20 mistake"
Seth's invitation was responded to By
nearly half the members of the company
and on figuring up the aggregate of all
the stakes, it amounted to nearly two
hundred dollars; but at each successive
WAGER the chances of his winning were
made much smaller, as the last one that
he had offered him required him te hi.
the bulls eye twice out OF three rounds,
and to beat the antagonists
"Naow, Gentlemen" said Seth. 81
Just want to make one more bet III
lay ten dollars that Iii hit the bulls eve
three times providin' the winner shall 90
over to the tavern aud spend the s,ades
III treatin' the company"
"I'll take the wager" said the captain
of the rangers, stepping forward and de
posting the stakes "If | win | shall
not only cheerfully disburse it in the
manner you suggest, but receive YOU in
the corps, aud furnish you with uniform
free of expense"
"Good on your head Captain" was the
reply of the sharpshooter, land eff don't
win I'll be raound tomorrow and stand
treat agin"
The three sharp shooters suggested the
idea of having rest for rifles as the
range was long and the slightest variation
of the aim would carry the shot wide of
the mark. But Seth argued against it,
and appealed to the commander.
"You see Captain" said he. "It's all
very we'll at turkey shoot, but it won'i
do in the woods. when the bars and wolves
are abeout; and rather guess 'twould'n
do on the battle field, unless every sol1i,r
could kerry nigger as they dc at the
South to use as rests for their shooting
irons"
This argument prevailed and he de-
cided that the shots should be made off
hand and that ten seconds should be al
lowed in taking aim, after the piece was
at the shoulder.
The Indian chief was painted in gaudy
colors, size of life, and the bulls aye was
placed on the left side in the region of
the heart, and three circles drawn around
II and II was nndorStood th.t f-a.a tho