THE ADVANCE-GUARD. 263 



through chance, were admirably suited for our work, 

 being composed of that common coloured velveteen 

 which so much resembles withered grass, while 

 H 's were dark and conspicuous ; without doubt, 

 his inattention to colour being caused by the lightness 

 of his pocket and inability to procure more suitable 

 raiment. After four hours' shooting, on comparing 

 results, my proceeds were more than double his, 

 while two wild geese, the most wary of all game, were 

 among my victims, he having failed to get a shot at 

 this noble quarry. I was at a loss to account for this 

 superior fortune, and might have remained long with- 

 out satisfactory reasons, but my comrade's experience 

 taught him that the difference of colour in our 

 costume was the cause. 



But to return to our work. As soon as we were at 

 our stands, we divested ourselves of shot-pouches and 

 powder-horns, hanging them on the bushes that we 

 might the easier use them when required for, once 

 the game commences to arrive, every moment is of 

 value. Before we had been stationary many minutes 

 a few stragglers made their appearance, the advance 

 guard, doubtless, of the main body ; some old and 

 experienced veterans, I should think, are generally 

 chosen for this duty, as these forerunners are wary in 

 the extreme, and seldom or ever come within gun- 

 shot. However, we were not detained idle, a bunch 

 of mallard passed within range, and a salute welcomed 

 their visit ; another and another party rapidly followed 

 in such quick succession that it was impossible to 

 shoot at all. These birds, so far, had only flown 

 past, and as night approached their numbers increased, 

 and we being probably less conspicuous from de- 



