AN "OLD DODGE. 251 



commencing to chew the cud of disappointment, 

 when evidences became conspicuous that the brent 

 also intended making a flitting. After a deal of con- 

 versation in their ranks, much pluming of feathers, 

 and a great amount of flapping of wings, the whole 

 phalanx rose together, circled round twice, and 

 departed seaward. My never loquacious companion 

 silently watched them from behind our hiding-place, 

 and muttered to himself an oath. At length he ex- 

 claimed, with some excitement, " I'll try the old 

 dodge." So pulling out the dirtiest remnant of a 

 scarlet pocket-handkerchief, commenced waiving it 

 over head. I must acknowledge that I was rather 

 surprised, for I had never seen wild-fowl called up 

 in such a remarkable manner. But the experienced 

 veteran was right; the now distant flock slowly but 

 gradually turned, and, after several times shifting their 

 course, ultimately headed directly for our hiding-place. 

 Closer and closer we cowered behind our screen; 

 nearer and nearer the game came within reach of our 

 destructive weapons. Our breath was held, and our 

 impatience curbed, till the leaders of the host were 

 but forty yards off, when both simultaneously rose and 

 poured in four barrels. In a moment after seven birds 

 were struggling or laying dead upon the water, while 

 the remainder, instead of instantly leaving, hovered 

 over their stricken comrades till both of us had 

 obtained a second double shot. I have long known 

 plover to be guilty of such foolish want of regard to 

 their safety, never previously brent. 



