Nothing had changed at Schuetzen Park since the day of that other memorable Sieppe picnic four years previous.

After lunch the men took themselves off to the rifle range, while Selina, Trina, and the other two women put away the dishes.
An hour later the men joined them in great spirits.

Ryer had won the impromptu match which they had arranged, making quite a wonderful score, which included three clean bulls' eyes, while McTeague had not been able even to hit the target itself.
Their shooting match had awakened a spirit of rivalry in the men, and the rest of the afternoon was passed in athletic exercises between them.
The women sat on the slope of the grass, their hats and gloves laid aside, watching the men as they strove together.

Aroused by the little feminine cries of wonder and the clapping of their ungloved palms, these latter began to show off at once.

They took off their coats and vests, even their neckties and collars, and worked themselves into a lather of perspiration for the sake of making an impression on their wives.