Everything was then duly arranged for the contest.  A mile's course had been previously marked out, and a shooting-butt set up, and also two poles with a leaping-rod across them.  As the hour approached, several young men respectably dressed came up, and among them a powerful and active-looking fellow whose appearance was hailed by a general shout of mirth.  His clothing was none of the best; his face was scarred in several places; and there was a free-and-easy manner about him, very different from that of the other competitors.  He answered the loud laughter by which his appearance had been greeted with a broad grin and a profound bow of mock salutation.  Each candidate for the trial had brought his gun with him, and stood prepared for the contest.  Gregson and Saunders managed all the arrangements after a brief consultation with Walter.