He turned away satisfied that he would carry off the coveted prize.

He had nicked the nail.
But Miller reckoned without his host.

Betty had seen the result of his shot and the self-satisfied smile on his face.

She watched several of the settlers make poor attempts at the nail, and then, convinced that not one of the other contestants could do so well as Miller, she slipped off the horse and ran around to where Wetzel was standing by her pony.
"Lew, I believe Miller will win my prize," she whispered, placing her hand on the hunter's arm.

"He has scratched the nail, and I am sure no one except you can do better.