io8 MOOSE-HUNTING, SALMON-FISHING, ETC 



my gun was the first intimation of danger. 

 Then they all got in a heap, going in and out 

 through one another, and all had apparently 

 found their voices, judging by their noise. 

 This kind of a chance I had often talked 

 about and longed for, and here it was right 

 before me. Besides my friend on shore, others 

 had arrived after my leaving, and all were 

 watching to hear my gun, and to see the 

 geese tumbling by the dozen. Well, why 

 didn't they ? Don't be impatient, and I will 

 give you the secret. When I threw up my 

 gun, I had to lean back a little to line up the 

 sight, in doing which I lost my equilibrium, 

 and over the old trap (punt) went, landing me 

 in the water on the broad of my back, with 

 both barrels full of water, while the geese, 

 poor rescued things I were making good their 

 escape. On the shore they were puzzled to 

 know why I didn't fire. " What a chance ! 

 What a chance ! Why don't he fire ? Well, 

 well, well ! What is the matter ? His gun 

 must be all right, for he has been shooting 

 right along." While all this wondering was 

 going on, could they have seen me flounder- 

 ing around, trying to get my big waders out 



