288 THE WILD-FOWLER. 



a long* distance down tlie river. The punt-gun had evidently 

 been fired two or three times, judg-ing- from appearances, and the 

 diminished state of the powder and shot ; apparently, also, with 

 some effect, as there were blood-stains and feathers of wild-fowl in 

 the punt. Without making further ado, Ted took the punt in tow 

 and broug'ht her home, endeavouring- to forget and forg-ive the 

 offenders, though he ever afterwards, on passing" the tumulus at 

 night, cast suspicious glances at its significant appearance, and 

 always gave the shore-gunners a wide berth on his future expe- 

 ditions.* 



* This anecdote was originally published by the author in the " Sporting Eeview," 

 vol. 35, page 16. 



