4 The Wild-Fowlers 



We will follow the course of these jovial 

 guns in a half-day's gentle sporting on a 

 point for blackduck. The crisp air and 

 brisk exercise will stir our tired lungs and 

 stiffened limbs to better action, and the 

 mind will enjoy the exhilaration of the 

 genial pursuit. 



" You see, Peritus," said Doctor Brad- 

 ley, " we start at four, two hours before 

 daylight, as we must be on the point 

 nicely concealed and with all the decoys 

 rigged out before the light o' day affords 

 the blackduck too great an opportunity 

 of seeing our movements. He has the 

 eyes of an eagle for distance and can see 

 in the dark as well as the cat and owl." 



" Why not start the night before and 

 sleep on the way to the shooting-ground, 

 as we do in bay snipe-shooting, and as 

 Captain Liebnow took us out when we 

 shot from the battery? This morning 

 cruise is a bitter cold one," said the boy. 



" Why, we sail in th' mornin' 'cause 

 we haint a-goin' es fer, 'cause th' nights 



