MIXUP WITH THE LAUGHERS 213 



But we watched in vain. The best that three 

 pairs of good eyes, assisted by the field-glasses, 

 could accomplish, was to sight one small flock of 

 grays far off on the southern horizon. Ac- 

 cordingly we drove on in that direction, and 

 finally pulled up at the creek bridge, fifteen 

 miles from home. 



In order that the goosing expedition may be 

 successful, it is very necessary, as a rule, to find 

 geese, but in the present instance it seemed that 

 this important factor was wanting. For though 

 we were now in the heart of our best goose- 

 grounds, there seemed to be no wawas in the 

 country, and I found myself the butt of many 

 and various remarks and questions. Was I sure 

 that I had not been to town the day previous? 

 Where did I get my drinking-water at camp 

 now? Had I ever examined a flock of mosqui- 

 toes with the field-glasses? I was assured that 

 when so studied they appeared remarkably large 

 — in fact quite resembled geese. While I was 

 attempting to dodge some similar insinuation, a 

 double shot rang up the creek, and next moment 

 several hundred ducks rose to view, circled a few 

 moments, and then drew out in long quivering 

 lines, and struck off lakewards. 



