DAYS IN THE STUBBLES 45 



bles for only one object blackcock. I come 

 for two, the call of the moor and as much 

 game as I can get. The gate stand is too 

 tame for my restless spirit, and it is only 

 three o'clock. I explain all this. 



"Go where you please, and do what youlike, 

 and shoot what you can get except grey- 

 hen." The last command, in a sterner tone, is 

 a standing order. I don't require it, I know 

 the rules of the game ; I only wish the grey- 

 hen respected their side of it. Neither will- 

 ingly nor wittingly do I ever shoot at the 

 foolish creatures, but if they will come along 

 with their black lords, or mix themselves up in 

 covey of grouse close over my head, right in 

 the line of fire, is it my fault if now and then 

 stray pellets hit the tiresome birds ? 



So I leave him with his dog and his pipe and 

 up I go with my black spaniel Glossy towards 

 the moor. It is there where the stubble 

 flanks it that the grouse come in for their 

 supper earlier than the black game, who 

 mostly come from the moor the east side of 

 the burn ; and we are on the west. 



