Urbana union. [volume] (Urbana, Ohio) 1862-1872, 1862-07-09

were detailed to stand within six rods on eth
er 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 slightly satirical remarks at the
expense of the cross eyed volunteer.
"Bn Barton, be keerful where you stand
when that chap blaaes away, said a ranger to
one Of the target markers; " the safest place
viii be behind it"
"Better get under the bank, Bill, there's no
calculating where his bullet may strike, " said
another.
al think the only safe place is in the rear
Of the breech, added third,
Almost every one Of the corps volunteered
jocose opinion in reference to the crooked
eyed, crooked formed, and otherwise uncouth-
looking backwoodsman, some Of which reach
ed the ears of Seth, who suddenly facing the
company, which were standing at ease, and
pricking up his ears said:
Perhaps as hoaw some on ye wud like to
bet a sum on them ere three shooters" said
Seth, pulling out ofhis capacious-lOokingpock
ct, a greasy looking wallet which seemed
rather plethoric of bank bills considering the
course, seedy gear Of the confident riheman
I'll lay ye anything from sheet Of ginger
bread to a tew dollar bill, that I will take the
consait out o you or your sharp-shooters at
rife-shoOtin', wraslin', huggin', or in a reg'lar
knock-deown and drag eout fight"
"Tll bet you a dollar you don't hit the
board once out of three times, said one Of the
rangers.
"DOne-TI take the bet, and double the
stakes, replied Seth, drawing forth a one dol
lar note, and placing it in the hands of the or
derly sergeant, while the ranger did likewise
an go you FIVE that you will be beaten
at every round, said another ranger
"Plank your snef-skin, said Seth.
an lay you five that you don't put a
single shot within the outer circle Of tie bulls
eye" offered a third.
"Waal don't mind taking that bet tew,
replied Seth, producing the money.
"T'll go you City cents you don't hit the
bulls eye once" said a more cautious mem
Der Of the Ethan Allen corps.
" Plank your money, gentlemen-Tm m good
for dozen or tew more jest sich wagers-
hev'em all writ down, Mister Sergeant so
there can't be no mistake"
Seth's invitation was responded to by near
ly 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 for Lis
winning were made much smaller, as the last
one that he had offered required him to hit
the bulls eye twice out of three rounds and
to beat his three antagonists.
"Naow, gentlemen" said Seth, "Tn jest
wanter to make one more bet. I'll lay ten
dollars that I'll hit the bulls eye three times
providin' that the winner shall go over to the
tavern and spend the stakes in treatin' the
company"
"PI take that wager" said the commander
Of the rangers. stepping forward and deposit
ing the stakes, and if you win I shall not on
ly cheerfully disburse it in the manner you
suggest but receive you in the corps and furn-
ish you with a uniform free of expense.
GOOD on your head captin;" answered
Seth, "and ef I don't win, I'll be raound to-
morrow and stand treat agin."
The three sharp shooters suggested :he idea
Of having a rest for their rifles, as the range
was long, ard 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, otis all very
well at a turkey shoot but it won't do in the
woods, when the bars and wolves are about;
and kinder guess 'twonldn't do on the bat
-le-feld, less every soger could kerry nigger
rs they do at the South to use as a rest for
heir shootin' irons"
This argument prevailed, and he decided
hat the shots should be made off hand, and |
hat ten seconds should be allowed in taking
lim, after the piece was at the shoulder.
The Indian chief was painted in gaudy col
,rs, size of life, and the bulls eye was placed
IN the left side, in the region of the heart.
with three circles drawn around it, and it was
that from the centre Of the bulls
.ye each shot should be measured. The sharp
hooters and the backwoodsman drew lots for
he first fire which fell to the lot of one Of the
ormer, who took his position, and in a ready
nd adroit manner, opened the contest, and
lis shot together with the others were as fol
ows, according to the report of the target
markers:
Ranger, No 1.-Two inches from the outer
ircle, glazing the left arm.
Ranger, No. 2.-Ball struck within one
lch Of the inner circle to the right-a fatal
hot"
Ranger No. 3.-But half moon in the bulls
ye-ataL
Seth stark.-shOt perforated the centre Of
he bulls eyel
There was considerable huzzaing at the re-
1lt Of the first round, especially among the
and those Of the rangers who had
OF risked any Of their funds on the result {
On the second round the three rangers were
,ored as having made better shots than be- {
,re, but no score for the young backwoods- s
ian.
It was now the turn Of the betters to huz- {
I,,,,,b gov-ara1 of tboDo bol Loot bv, Cotb,e