A Day witb the Woodcock 177 



splashing in the water, a rapid splattering of wings, 

 then a succession of low, sweet, whistling cries, 

 " O-eek-o-eek ! " explained the dog's excitement. 

 The canoe had glided across a small expanse of lily- 

 pads and had almost run down a flock of slumbering 

 wood-duck. 



It grew lighter and lighter, until he could discern 

 small fry swimming close to the canoe. Presently 

 he detected a slow-moving ripple gradually nearing, 

 and exclaiming, " Lie down, Don ! " he raised the 

 paddle and struck a deadly blow at a dark, half- 

 defined shape passing. The victim proved to be 

 a ten-pound catfish that had tempted fate while 

 floundering along on business of its own. " That'll 

 suit the old man," he muttered as he cast it into the 

 canoe. Then the paddle was plied faster and the 

 craft darted along in and out of the shadows like a 

 winged thing. Soon the objective point was gained, 

 and a voice from shore asked : 



" Dat yo', Marse Ned ? I know it is, fur I see de 

 dawg." 



" All right, old partner, we're both here," and in a 

 moment the canoe was lifted out and overturned for 

 the night. " Whar de debbil yo get dat big cat ? 

 My, he's a fat un de old woman ull jist smile when 

 she sees um." 



" Killed him with the paddle back a bit. Now 

 get your stuff ready and let them go to sleep inside. 

 Here, take a nip, and give the old lady the catfish." 



" Don't know 'bout dat ; mebbe I best give her de 

 cat fust an' den take de drink. Dat ar ole cullud lady 

 cotch on to whiskey pow'f ul smart she jest liable 

 ter want ter kiss me good-nite if she spishuned me ! " 



