268 IN THE GREEN LEAF 



on his back to guide him. The dog points, a 

 dead full point, and the pony stands like a rock. 

 The birds rise, and a brace drops right and 

 left, clean killed. Three brace are in the bag ; 

 then they leave the stubbles, just top the old 

 hedge that surrounds the field, and drop into 

 the rushy meadow that joins it. Luncheon 

 time comes round, and the sparrow-shooter 

 shares fully in the feast. Master Skip-Jack 

 receives a few lumps of loaf-sugar a luxury 

 which he highly appreciates from the hand 

 of his master. 



Then they pass from the field into the 

 meadow, where the broken covey has taken 

 refuge. Here they are picked up ; one, and 

 again a brace of them. The shooter bids the 

 boy count. " Eight brace, master ; all good 

 'uns," is the result given. " That will do, boy ; 

 that will do. Now we will get back home." 



" Cock are boring in the alder run ; I'm goin' 

 down early after dinner. The dims come soon 

 now. Coming, ain't ye ? " 



"Yes, I'll come, but I shan't shoot. I'll 

 keep well back and look on." 



The latter part of November 1872 had been 

 what the rustic population called "a bit wild." 

 Rain and high winds had been followed by 





