54 DUCKING DAYS 



the year. The journey took me five days and a half, 

 facing a head wind three days. Rowing, swimming and 

 shooting are my favorite sports, so why fear a little 

 work with the oars! I had a very light running boat, 

 which made it much easier for me. My hands never 

 blister when using the proper kind of a boat. While 

 coming down the river I cut across on the long bends 

 when the wind was not blowing too strong. 



The total length of the Illinois River until it reaches 

 the Mississippi is approximately 300 miles, and I jour- 

 neyed nearly two-thirds of the distance. 



I traveled light, Indian fashion, and alone. You know 

 what Kipling says : 



Down to Gehenna, 

 Or up to the throne, 

 He travels the fastest, 

 Who travels alone. 



My equipment was a boat that I had used for three 

 years, and was not afraid to buck any stretch of water 

 in ; a gun, and one small grip containing a few boxes of 

 shells and some warm articles of clothing to use in case 

 -of necessity. No decoys, as I did not intend to do any 

 decoy shooting on the way, and knew I could rent decoys 

 down the river. 



"When I started out I expected to stop at a hotel each 

 night at a town on the river. I soon found this was im- 

 practicable. I slept in a stack of timothy hay the first 



