As they rode side by side, the quiet rhythm of hooves echoed along the dusty path. Jed glanced over at Charlie, the younger man brimming with excitement as he spoke.
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgtLGNTx8dl
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJuFV2pL0Ut
"So, if we really find all those crystals and finally kick this cancer to the curb," Jed began, his tone casual yet edged with curiosity, "what are you plannin' on doin' with yourself after?"
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9DakZC8mzT
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2xYCmetkRk
Charlie grinned, eyes lighting up at the thought. "Oh, I got it all figured out. First thing, I'm gonna get famous. Real famous. Then, I'll get rich, buy myself a big house, hire some servants—maybe ten or twenty—and fill the place with as many ladies as I can fit. Not spendin' the rest of my days on some farm, feedin' animals, that's for sure."
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ12ePvtNdC1
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfBJojiQ1Us
Jed chuckled, shaking his head with a bemused expression. "You think big, I'll give ya that," he said, a hint of sarcasm in his voice. "But let me tell ya somethin'—everyone always thinks their time's the one that'll go down in history, like it's the only era that matters. But rivals come and go, fortunes rise and fall, and all that's left in the end is just history sortin' out the scraps."
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh3ZIVndN50
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6RX16nsMrY
Charlie shrugged, brushing it off with a smirk. "Yeah, but wouldn't you want a nice place to settle? A big house, fine things, maybe some pretty ladies to keep you company?"
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDxSifuWrE
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyW2n3Xy0sE
Jed scratched his chin, laughing under his breath. "Kid, 10 or 20 ladies sounds like a headache, and tryin' to remember all their names? That's just askin' for trouble. I'd sooner take one good woman, one who knows me inside out, than deal with the circus of tryin' to impress a whole crowd."
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0FZEEtIxBu
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhxoU2gSUgy
Charlie shook his head, still grinning. "You really think so? Just you, one lady, and a quiet life? Doesn't sound like much to me."
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN56bD6USgE
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFqhxb22Lzd
Jed gave him a sidelong glance, his tone turning a bit more thoughtful. "Ain't about the crowd or the fortune, Charlie. It's about findin' somethin' that don't slip through your fingers when life's got you by the throat. Sure, you go ahead and chase after all the riches and attention you can get your hands on, but one day, you'll find out it don't mean half as much as a few acres of land and a roof that's yours. A place where you can breathe, where nobody's makin' demands or keepin' score."
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTAAZDeL3sv
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKtmyKWXPYA
"Aw, come on, Jed. You're tellin' me you wouldn't trade all that for a bit of luxury?" Charlie asked, half in disbelief.
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrOINK7U25G
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwQUXSFNj8o
Jed laughed, this time a little louder. "Luxury? That's just another word for tryin' to outrun what's already chasin' ya. I don't mind feedin' animals, fixin' fences, or watchin' the sun come up over my own land. Keeps a man grounded. Besides, riches and luxury are just fancy ways of sayin' you got more than you need. Most folks forget—what you need and what you want don't often line up."
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfH1qdXKxq2
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy4sBYihJoq
Charlie rolled his eyes but couldn't hide his grin. "Guess I don't have your taste for the simple life, old man. But maybe that'll change if we pull this off."
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd5HlIliaVo
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKw2Zrfunas
Jed chuckled, giving Charlie a nod. "Maybe. Somethin' tells me you'll learn it the hard way, but that's alright too. Sometimes, it's the only way that sticks."
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCkXLkFO9Fh
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo3Lj09y9nJ
They rode in silence for a while, the quiet filled only by the creak of leather and the steady rhythm of their horses' hooves. Finally, Jed spoke up again, a small smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSmtnCnVbgY
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZHY7sXPr1V
"And don't get me wrong, kid—chasin' your dreams ain't a bad thing. Just don't forget to keep one foot on the ground, or life'll knock you on your back faster than you can say 'big house and pretty ladies.'"
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY2i5gnLYFa
As Jed and Charlie rode their horses through the dense forest, Jed suddenly called out, "Hold up."
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoi12yCzehY
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr8g6GJgjCd
Charlie pulled his reins, turning to him. "What is it, Uncle Jed?"
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIikIkY9H0Z
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqA3gFEi2Ij
Jed scanned the area, then glanced down at his map. "Seems like we've made it to Josephine County in Oregon," he said. "It's mostly rugged terrain and thick forests out here. This place is known for its big stretches of Douglas fir, pine, and cedar."
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpIbn7Ea0yL
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyBmY9ffiNd
Charlie nodded, looking around at the towering trees surrounding them. "Think there's anything out here for us?"
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfXVpTTNjm9
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKfv2biGzaj
"Plenty," Jed replied, folding up the map. "There's a lot of game in these woods. And if we dig deep enough, we might even find some useful resources around here."
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv1oFmC69aZ
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDNGUt4vKJJ
The landscape sprawled out before them, stretching over thousands of acres of mountains, rivers, and thick valleys. The mighty Rogue River flowed nearby, winding its way through the dense forest like a lifeline. As they continued, the smell of pine and cedar filled the air, reminding them of just how vast and wild this land was.
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpl7uIZTqcz
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHNxS1HCjme
"Look out for fruit trees, too. Could be some useful supplies to grab," Jed said. "The land provides a lot out here, but it's not for the faint-hearted."
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbCQQuNhvaK
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5bw5NLrYrY
Charlie grinned. "Guess it's a good thing we aren't."
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmoxv4RRaXu
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsyr71HwY5k
They spurred their horses onward, blending into the towering shadows of Josephine County's untamed wilderness.
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9mHx8ogBnu
Charlie rubbed his head, muttering, "Yeah, yeah," under his breath. As he squinted off into the trees, a rabbit darted out into view. Without a second thought, he drew his revolver and fired a couple of hasty shots, each one whizzing wide of its mark. The rabbit, undisturbed by the close calls, bounded away into the underbrush.
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrXZdPvnElx
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡODPc1Q7lGN
Jed sighed, arms crossed, his face twisted with a mixture of disappointment and amusement. "Boy… did you just miss all of your shots?" He shook his head in disbelief. "How in the devil do you escape from banks if you can't hit a rabbit that's standing still?"
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU77WCjsTSa
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq8u1zHAVru
Charlie shrugged, a sheepish grin tugging at the corner of his mouth. "I don't know, Uncle Jed. I get by on luck, I guess. Luck's never let me down."
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgmMILwI0TU
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkpFtvin093
"Luck, huh?" Jed shot him a dark, crooked grin. "Well, luck's a fine thing… right up 'til it runs out. And if luck was on your side, maybe you wouldn't be dealin' with that damn cancer, now would you?"
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZnDjt9d3z
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDfsjNLZZj3
Charlie shot him a glare. "Jackass."
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCtCWmE3qAf
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW9mszEbLWe
Jed chuckled, holding his hands up in a mock apology. "Alright, alright. Poor taste, I know." His smirk softened as he looked at Charlie. "How 'bout instead of relying on luck, we work on getting you some skill to go with it? You up for a little practice?"
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMWVa3px2E8
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ81ValxWDf9
Charlie sighed but nodded, shifting his grip on his revolver. "Sure, why not. Couldn't hurt."
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe5BkZm9KDC
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHmIKOrIpDe
"Good. First things first, though, we're gonna need a better place to shoot at." Jed squinted around, eyes settling on a stretch of river off to the left. "There. Let's ride over by that riverbank; might find us some rocks to use for target practice."
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy8ATymlxDR
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvOOsBcyZAS
He nudged his horse forward, and Charlie scrambled to keep up, calling after him, "Wait up!"
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCzIGgRqpC7
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ47Yhirmyu0
When they reached the river, Jed dismounted, stepping into the shallow water to gather a few rocks. He set them up on the opposite bank, spaced out at irregular intervals. As he dusted his hands off, he looked over at Charlie. "Alright, kid, here's the deal: I want you to hit each of these rocks. No missing. I want you to do it five times in a row. And then we're gonna do it again. Think you can manage that?"
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHR6PpYfyFk
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiNQTgXNNMf
Charlie's eyebrows shot up. "What? That's… that's a bit overkill, don't you think?"
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgcj5ucAlWX
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZYz9joU4lB
Jed scoffed. "Overkill's what's gonna keep you alive out here. Now, don't just stand there gawkin'. Draw, and let's go over the basics."
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWNqjsE0V7k
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXTy0rhITd4
He walked over to Charlie, inspecting his revolver and nodding. "First things first: gotta understand what you're holdin'."
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqPRBbcamJh
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Ripxh1Pc9
Jed lifted Charlie's gun, tapping each part as he explained. "Look here. You got the barrel, that's where your bullet's gonna leave from. Cylinder's where they're sittin' right now, loaded up." He spun the cylinder, checking its rotation. "Hammer here's what you pull back before firing, and these sights on top, they're what you use to line things up. Simple, ain't it?"
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwxfuPmFml3
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNL7537WMoE
Charlie nodded, but Jed noticed his grip looked loose. "Easy part's knowin' what's what," he continued, "but that ain't all there is to it."
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYi5Up1mx0s
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0xuI7ha9jY
"Now, pay attention, 'cause this'll save your hide someday," Jed said, his voice hardening. "Always keep that muzzle pointed down if you ain't shootin'. Ain't no quicker way to meet your maker than forgettin' that one rule. And for the love of God, don't keep your finger on that trigger 'til you're ready to fire. Got it?"
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcEi7NT1XV7
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKfebRuZDIM
Charlie nodded, shifting his hand off the trigger as Jed watched approvingly. "Good. Don't let me catch you slackin' on that."
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ911lPBZiWq
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG3hbo8qftw
Jed nudged Charlie's feet with his boot, adjusting his stance. "Stand with your feet about shoulder-width apart. Keep your right foot back just a bit—gives you more balance, makes it harder for the recoil to knock you off your feet. Now, grip that revolver tight. Not so tight your knuckles turn white, but firm enough that it won't jump out of your hand."
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9T13ZVbNXv
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD8X9rvW8wS
Charlie adjusted, still looking uncertain. Jed came up behind him, pressing his hands down over Charlie's to show him the right amount of grip. "Higher on the handle, kid. Recoil's gonna kick, and if you're holdin' too low, it'll fly right outta your hand. You think any gunslinger worth his salt ever dropped his weapon mid-shot?"
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaAPRGhjwnn
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡikdWjHakhZ
With a critical eye, Jed watched Charlie's stance, adjusting his hands to align the revolver's sights. "See that little notch on the top? That's your rear sight. Now, line up the front sight right between that, like you're looking down a straight road. Keep that rabbit in the sights." He grinned as he saw the frustration on Charlie's face. "Patience, boy. This ain't about rushin'. Focus on the target, not the shot."
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqE4wCHeo7f
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzRj6ZanL9C
Charlie took a shaky breath, squinting down the sights. Jed tapped his shoulder. "Good. Breathe in. Hold it a moment, just enough to keep your hands steady, then exhale slowly. Don't yank the trigger. Just give it a gentle squeeze, like you're coaxing it."
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡik35QAVA6O
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0hW5d4celr
Charlie hesitated before finally pulling the trigger, but his hand jerked slightly, causing the bullet to miss the mark. Jed chuckled dryly. "Now, that's what I call a flinch. Not exactly the way you want to impress a lady—or hit a target."
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwoMLP2ZzrT
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYOWJ8bGUOR
Charlie gritted his teeth, his face red. "I'm tryin', alright?"
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡISSmjVUBhz
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiDsTsU15D1
Jed softened just a bit. "I know, kid, I know. This ain't easy stuff. But you keep yankin' on that trigger, and you'll never hit a damn thing. Smooth, steady. Try again."
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4uuNKb19bF
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6d04BbzBw8
Charlie took another shot, this time managing to land a hit on one of the rocks. Jed nodded with approval. "Not bad. Now, let's try it five more times, no misses this time."
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDFGSjcoZgp
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNblyPdFcra
Charlie groaned. "I'm not even sure I got enough luck for that."
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Rkl2HgcH9
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcbLT1pw6bZ
Jed smirked, arms crossed. "Well, that's the idea, boy. This ain't about luck anymore. 'Cause if you're in a real fight, and you're runnin' low on bullets… you sure as hell don't want to be prayin' for luck. So buckle up. We're here till you've got skill to back up that attitude of yours."
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcyoVMfuqHy
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNTz7VZs4lJ
With a renewed sense of determination, Charlie lifted his gun, aiming carefully this time. And as Jed watched him, he couldn't help
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWdcOnC7X6g
the faint glimmer of pride that stirred somewhere beneath that gruff exterior.
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkAyd2gAiB9
Charlie squeezed the trigger, and the revolver kicked back, the shot going wide. He gritted his teeth, squinting at the distant rocks and tried again. Miss. His face tightened, and a flush of frustration rose to his cheeks.
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyayWDpI4PQ
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZfB6thbwv
"Easy now, take it slow," Jed muttered, arms crossed as he watched Charlie.
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ej6F1j6Of
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz51Ov4Cjrr
Charlie took another breath, steadied his hand, and fired. Miss.
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRiMPhM0Cd4
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZTchThdmsU
With each miss, his grip got tighter, his patience thinner. Finally, after yet another missed shot, Charlie lowered the revolver with a huff, frustration written all over his face. "Damn it!" he muttered.
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTfJmgFa7Gy
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeM6EfRADaS
Jed just shook his head, that ever-present smirk tugging at his mouth. "Boy, I ain't seen shootin' that bad since I had to teach ol' Jason back in '53. And that man was as blind as a bat in daylight."
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo622BJywow
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmR6Ss2Eecv
Charlie groaned, rolling his eyes. "I'm tryin' here, alright? You think I wanna keep missing?"
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ62NcVTlNPH
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡljxV3dZ1KE
Jed let out a dry chuckle, scratching his beard thoughtfully. "Ain't about what you want, Charlie. You keep rushin' it like that, and you're only givin' yourself worse odds." He sauntered over, putting a steadying hand on Charlie's shoulder. "Look, shootin' ain't about fightin' the gun. It's about lettin' it do what it does. Relax that hand of yours, take a breath, and don't think about missin'. Think about where you want that bullet to go."
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvUeE0e0cf8
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbaMVpD16fO
Charlie looked at the gun in his hands, almost like it was the first time he'd really noticed it. He sighed, loosening his grip. "I don't know how you make it sound so simple."
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxGI2dncjf9
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwWrNpiu0M3
Jed shrugged. "Ain't about simple, kid. It's about patience, somethin' you ain't got much of. Now, aim again, but this time… don't be lookin' at that rock like it's some far-off dream."
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6SE26UINqd
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF45qJCCblf
Charlie squared his shoulders, lifting the revolver again, this time with a little less tension. He lined up the sights, inhaled, and—BANG! The rock chipped as the bullet grazed it, not quite a direct hit, but closer than he'd been before.
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRMacnrUB94
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl3yla746jw
Jed grinned, giving him an approving nod. "Now that's more like it. You're getting there."
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBlc6Os7X9R
Charlie fired again. And misses. His shoulders slumped as he heaved out a sigh.
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ08uZDVxUxK
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZnXvd6esT
Jed, watching from a few paces back with his arms crossed, let out a low chuckle. "Boy, I swear, you're gonna run the whole countryside outta bullets at this rate. You sure you ain't tryin' to miss on purpose? I reckon you got that down to an art form by now."
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMDIUip8joq
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4PRzZZGWT2
Charlie gave him a sidelong glare. "I'm just…distracted, alright? This whole cancer thing's messing with my head."
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHWjW3IfQN4
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2tf5ylaU5T
Jed softened slightly, though his voice still carried that sardonic tone. "Ain't no shame in that. Folks stare death in the face, their hands start shakin', even if they don't know it. 'Specially with somethin' like cancer. You're allowed to feel it, kid."
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZFIvvQNgVB
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhBESdCmgug
Charlie shook his head. "I thought I was supposed to be tough, y'know? Act like nothin' can get to me."
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8b34vioflG
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZLsiz3OlFl
Jed raised an eyebrow. "Who in tarnation told you that? Bein' tough don't mean bein' stone-cold. Bein' tough means standin' up even if you're scared witless." He nudged Charlie with his boot. "Now, if you're done with the pity party, let's get back to shootin'. I wanna see you actually hit somethin' today."
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYtFMK9SdDv
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZbPFeN0hE
They both glanced back to the targets as Charlie lined up his shot, breathing in to calm himself. Bang. Miss. The bullet hit a tree several yards away from the target, sending a couple of startled birds flapping away.
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡusaePLj7pu
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA8pFKeLWIM
Jed covered his mouth with his hand to hide his smirk. "Good, scare the crows away—lord knows we don't need them watchin' this mess."
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlF6tAUP9mf
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOZ8ETmeiya
Charlie narrowed his eyes, aiming more carefully this time. He fired again. The bullet ricocheted off a rock and skidded off into the brush somewhere, sending up a puff of dust.
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeSlzisaRnQ
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXjaoAJuZ60
Jed shook his head in mock disbelief. "You tryin' to play pool with that gun or what? This ain't billiards, kid, quit bouncin' 'em off every which way."
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHjTubvnHS9
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8NqAcc7dtO
Charlie groaned. "Well, maybe I'm just not cut out for this."
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXSuzy7rh4S
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS2Z4k3q4YA
Jed huffed, crossing his arms and adopting a theatrical look of concentration. "Nonsense. I've seen fellas with one eye and half a hand who could do better.
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRSkcMrjbrH
Charlie tried again, taking extra care with his aim, but the bullet missed the rock by a mile. Jed slapped his thigh with exaggerated disappointment. "Lord almighty, you're killin' me, kid. I might just die from secondhand embarrassment here."
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZC1RUkYX2W
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3iuLeGm4y
Charlie clenched his jaw. "Maybe I should just go back to robbin' banks. At least I'm good at that."
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEO75HqZ7XN
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLcOIcmVtMi
Jed smirked. "Good at running away from banks, you mean. Seems like every heist you pulled ended with you high-tailing it outta town before they could catch ya. But hey, we got time, so go on, try again. See if you can hit that poor, defenseless rock."
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ952iVkvUCE
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHqmOGh1TSf
Charlie inhaled deeply, leveling his gaze on the target and pulling the trigger. Bang! He actually grazed the rock this time, sending it toppling off the post.
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKZwwu8Tld9
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0UIYJDMcVd
Jed gave a slow clap. "Well, look at that! You actually made contact. Was it luck or skill?"
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5oNZhvBvP2
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJnl0jKIdv
Charlie managed a grin. "Maybe both?"
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7io0thg04
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSPVaa3Lg23
Jed rolled his eyes, but there was a trace of approval in his expression. "Yeah, yeah. Next time, aim for more 'skill' than 'luck.' One day, maybe you'll be hittin' things on purpose instead of by happy accident." Charlie took a deep breath, steadying himself, but as soon as he aimed, his hand wavered again. Bang! Another miss. The bullet barely skimmed the edge of the rock.
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJnvH4v2zkY
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWo2knxW5ji
Jed sighed and shook his head. "I've seen drunks shoot straighter than that. You wanna hit somethin', maybe try relaxin'. We ain't got nothin' but time and bullets here, anyhow."
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW9CnrkdyV5
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8KjRoid5xt
After a few more rounds, Charlie finally managed to graze one of the rocks, sending it toppling off the log and into the river with a splash. He looked over, feeling a hint of pride.
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQWQAn7UiyQ
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZWiXdKuamp
Jed let out a sarcastic cheer, clapping slowly. "Well, look at that, he actually hit somethin'. Must be a miracle."
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFxsTRwm1nS
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2a9H0dlmki
Charlie grinned, wiping the sweat from his brow. "Maybe I'm gettin' the hang of it."
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWpkRHNAsP4
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG49g9WzhI7
Jed shrugged, a faint smile tugging at his mouth. "Maybe you are. Just remember—next time, let your aim settle as easy as the river flowin'. Got it?" Charlie steadied himself, inhaling deeply as he tightened his grip on the revolver. He felt his pulse slow down, his fingers loosening just enough on the trigger to feel in control but still ready. He focused on the last rock sitting defiantly on the log across the river, narrowing his eyes and blocking out everything but that single target.
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsTfnmQVJMt
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡROuJ9Ifwj5
Bang!
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhOoYuLsiTU
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4GAzvyVUpi
The shot rang out, echoing down the river. This time, the bullet hit dead center, sending the rock flipping into the water with a satisfying splash. Charlie lowered the revolver, almost in disbelief, as a huge grin spread across his face.
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9zE9dWjcXt
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs3xoz7nCLV
Jed, leaning on his rifle, watched with a crooked smile, his tone low and amused. "Well, look at that, boy finally learned to dance."
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbjJHVrl4WF
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlv6FxLsN8M
Charlie looked over at Jed, his eyes practically shining. "I... I did it, didn't I? I actually hit it!"
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Zvf00AY7A
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtFKilOEHOH
Jed smirked, nodding as he reached into his pocket for his tobacco pouch. "Don't go throwin' yourself a parade just yet. One good shot don't make you a gunslinger. But it's a start, and I'll give you that." He paused, striking a match against his boot. "Just means we've got a lot more trainin' ahead before you're fit for a real fight."
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAIf7SjOnzq
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaFRzINt60m
Charlie took a deep breath, the weight of his progress settling in. He felt a spark of confidence for the first time, like he'd finally cracked open a door he thought was sealed shut. "Thanks, Jed. You know, for all the hell you gave me."
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPjGJBdTlAR
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmXmTLWHGa
Jed chuckled, exhaling a plume of smoke. "Oh, don't start gettin' sentimental on me now. The only thanks I want is seein' you keep those bullets on target, without me holdin' your hand. Next time you're facin' down trouble, ain't gonna be no one there to bark at you to hold steady."
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3a9HdkCgE3
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgTxecOJCVL
Charlie nodded, gripping the revolver tighter, feeling the weight of Jed's words settle in. There was still a lot he didn't know, a lot to learn, but at least he'd taken a step. He looked over at Jed, a newfound respect in his eyes. "Guess I better keep workin', then."
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm7uAkwgyR9
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPetumABfuc
Jed nodded, a glint of approval flashing across his weathered face. "Now you're speakin' my language. But remember, it ain't just about the gun. It's about you. If you keep your nerve steady and your mind sharp, no cancer or outlaw's gonna keep you down. You got that?"
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡajKSAOQDjk
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVAZwA3UwFP
Charlie held Jed's gaze and gave a firm nod. "Yeah. I got it."
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtdHzx4XKlV
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡILUn3L5dsW
With a final glance at the river, Jed turned, waving Charlie to follow. They walked back toward their horses, the sun starting to dip, painting the sky in shades of red and gold. For Charlie, every step felt lighter.
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU3o1VDixrW
Charlie lowered the revolver, a mix of exhaustion and exhilaration flooding through him. "I'm done?" he asked, a hint of disbelief in his voice.
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv9gBXY4cuZ
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYnjRnz7uSk
Jed nodded, brushing some dirt off his pants. "Ya, for now at least. Can't have you burnin' out before we even get to the fun part." He smirked, clearly enjoying the moment.
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdUVLmAXJJL
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIDfhAmpECl
Charlie chuckled, his confidence buoyed. "Feels like I've been shootin' at those rocks forever."
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUzjD2mG7z8
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjlMaAj9Z1X
Jed shrugged, his expression turning a touch more serious. "You're a long way from bein' a sharpshooter, but it's a hell of a lot better than missin' every time. Progress ain't a straight line, kid."
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3R8tYhmOHe
272Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQu2Fh4A88R
"Yeah, I guess," Charlie replied, leaning against a nearby tree. "But I didn't think it'd be this tough. I mean, I know it's just practice, but I'm supposed to be tough, you know? Not all… well, wobbly."
ns216.73.217.1da2
然後按「加至主畫面」