A DOUBLE SHOT. 119 



depended upon my Tottie's prudence, for if he hurried 

 the lot would take to flight, but if he behaved 

 cautiously and did not point his course for them, in 

 all human probability they would direct their steps 

 towards my hiding-place. Tottie was a great Nimrod 

 in my estimation. On this occasion he did not lose 

 his reputation, and I vowed inwardly that he should 

 have an extra supply of tobacco, when what appeared 

 to be the largest of the hens, with cautious, hesitating, 

 and graceful steps, took the lead and came towards 

 me. Soon another, and then another, and finally all 

 followed her example, not after the manner of grouse 

 or partridge, but as if each were acting independently 

 of the other. Believe me, it was one of the noblest 

 sights a sportsman ever beheld, for the pauw is 

 amongst birds what the salmon is amongst fish. 



Old as I am, and much as I have shot, I could 

 feel my heart beat quicker and quicker as the space 

 between the game and myself became diminished. At 

 last only a hundred yards severed us, and their manner 

 appearing uneasy, as if the game suspected danger, 

 I waited for two birds to get aligned, when I pulled 

 the trigger of the .right barrel, and with the report 

 a couple of the pauw turned over ; then, springing to 



