CHAPTER VII. 



DUCK SHOOTING. 

 The Irrepressible Donna The American Snipe. 



DONNA, in spite of her morning exercise, had still 

 plenty of go and zeal, so before the horses had left 

 us ten minutes (they having been despatched to the 

 proposed location of our new camp) the pointer 

 commenced drawing upon game, and continued to 

 do so for some time. This dog would never have 

 satisfactorily exhibited at a field-trial, but for that 

 very reason she was a rare good one to kill game 

 over, after the rough edge of her passionate ardour 

 for pursuit had become toned down. In fact, she 

 was one of that kind of which I have heard men say 

 that " it is only fit to be the companion of a poacher." 

 Still, I never had any serious qualms of conscience 

 at being seen in her company. Now it was evident 

 both to herself and me that the birds were running ; 



