The Serene Duck Hunter 



When at the close of such a day a 

 party of serene duck hunters are gath- 

 ered together, a common fund of ad- 

 venture is made up. Each as he con- 

 tributes his share is entitled to add 

 such embellishments of the imagina- 

 tion as will make his recital most in- 

 teresting to his associates and gratify- 

 ing to himself; and a law tacitly 

 adopted but universally recognized 

 by the company binds them all to an 

 unquestioning acceptance of the truth 

 of every narration. The successes of 

 the day as well as its incidents of hard 

 luck, and every excuse and explana- 

 tion in mitigation of small returns of 

 game, as they are rehearsed, create 

 lively interest and quiet enjoyment. 

 The one thing that might be a dis- 

 cordant note would be a hint or con- 

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