210 WILD-FOWLING AFLOAT BY NIGHT 



up and down on the little wavelets, some swimming 

 hither and thither in search of drifting tit-bits of 

 weed, whilst others, more impatient, are plunging 

 and standing on their heads in their endeavour to 

 reach the submerged weed now almost within their 

 grasp. 



' As we watch this animated picture the shallows 

 near the shore appear whiter and whiter, and so 

 we must prepare to take our chance at the fowl 

 which are now quickly concentrating in dense masses 

 within our view. A thunderous roar of wings from 

 the darkness causes us some little uneasiness ; but it 

 is only another fine company of widgeon, which we 

 had not noticed, flying up from the outside to join 

 their comrades. In a few seconds they pass under 

 the moonbeams, and down they all go among the 

 others. Now is the fateful moment which shall decide 

 the fortunes of the night ! 



' Pushing out from our ambush, and keeping low 

 and well out of sight at the bottom of the punt, we 

 glide gently forward to a small patch of rocks which 

 lies directly between us and the widgeon ; once its 

 welcome cover is gained and the shot will certainly 

 be ours. There is just enough water to float us 

 within range, and as we approach nearer, yard by 

 yard, in breathless suspense, every nerve and muscle 



