232 WILD SPORTS IN THE SOUTH. 



The first step ahead sprung another snipe, and, being 

 intent on the game, I shot it as it balanced. 



" Hulloah ! give a fellow time," said the Doctor. 



" That bird flew right in the way of the shot !" said 

 Mike, his eye kindling, and his mouth expressing a great 

 deal of doubt and curiosity. 



" Have you ever killed a snipe, Lou ?" said I, the 

 formality of the family name having been gradually 

 dropped, on all sides, as the freedom of our hunting ex- 

 cursions brought us into closer intimacy. 



" Yes, two ; I never had much opportunity for such 

 game, and never learned to shoot them on the 

 wing." 



" Now is your chance, then ; there goes a shot." 



Two barrels were discharged, one by Jackson, and one 

 by the Doctor, but the birds went off. 



" There, I know I can do better than that," remarked 

 Miss Jackson, looking at the bird skimming over the 

 ground. 



" I'm sure you kin," said Mike. 



" Escape !" " Escape !" " Escape !" croaked out three 

 birds, as they launched away from before us. Miss 

 Jackson fired a double shot, and one bird fell. 



" Well done, that !" 



"Escape!" croaked another bird, as it rose on our left 

 among some flags. Mike, who had been watching the 

 hunt with great interest, ejaculated, " Wall, I'll take a 

 turn now !" and, aiming with his rifle, fired. The bird 

 fell as if knocked by a ball-bat, and Mike on going up to 



