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 month expressing a great 

 deal of doubt and curiosity. 



"Have you ever killed a snij^e, Lou?" said I, the 

 formality of the family name having been gradually 

 dropped, on all sides, as the freedom of our huntmg 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 



