Soon enough, Zachary and Thomas were outside. Zachary had set up a target, got the gun ready, even firing a couple of shells.
"Alright," he said, pulling out the spent shells. "She's got a bit of a kick, so hold her good and tight, or it might startle you to the point of messing yourself, or worse."
The skunk carefully picked the gun up, placed a shell in each barrel, closed it, held it to his shoulder, aimed, and fired.
He missed the target, hitting the tree to the right of it.
"Take a breath, and try again," said Zachary.
Thomas took a breath, aimed, and fired.
He hit the tree to the left.
The young skunk chuckled nervously.
"Well, at least you hit the target's buddies," said Zachary. "Try again. You got to get used to it."
"I don't know, Mr. Snyder," said Thomas. "They say it takes a couple dozen-"
"One moment."
Zachary went inside. He then came out with several boxes, which he set up on a table next to them.
"I think we'll be able to get the practice you need."
"Are you sure about this?" Thomas asked.
Zachary nodded. "I got plenty of shells. Some need to be used up anyways."
"Thank you, Mr. Snyder," said Thomas, as he opened the gun, took the spent shells out, and put in some fresh ones.
"At least they aren't handloads," said Zachary. "You got to be really careful with those."
