A GRAND DETECTIVE in 



the other, as the birds came from the west. 

 The pits had to be large enough to allow us to 

 sit down, and we had to be more than cautious 

 that we left no new ground in sight, as the 

 grey goose is a grand detective, and will not 

 come within range of anything strange to 

 him. In order the better to deceive them, 

 we went some distance away and pulled 

 stubble, placing it around and about the pits. 

 This done, we felt satisfied there was some fun 

 ahead for us. 



The next morning, some time before day- 

 light, Dobbin was harnessed and we were on 

 the move, leaving Eeady behind, as we had no 

 way of concealing him. The horse was left 

 some distance away, tethered, and we were in 

 our blinds just at the peep of day. We were 

 scarcely placed when I saw a flock on the 

 horizon sailing towards us. " Look out, 

 Harry ! " (that was my companion's name). 

 " There is a flock coming direct for us." As 

 they approached they were so low and so near, 

 only about 25 yards away, we could not make 

 an effectual shot, so I threw up my gun and 

 they rushed together, swerving towards Harry. 

 When they were quartering, my trusty old gun 



