I PULLED SHE SNAPPED 135 



and the other on the wing. I levelled. 

 " Now my hitherto trusty friend, do your 

 duty " pulled. " Bang ! " was the response. 

 But where were the birds ? Every one jumped. 

 Before I had time to wonder, I saw one 

 tumbling, then another and another, yet still 

 another four down, but every one on a new 

 kind of wild-goose chase, in which Eeady was 

 a lively participant. 



While this was going on, the flock, having 

 to rise to windward, came towards me, till 

 they were started ; then circled, and, reader, 

 if you know anything about shooting, there 

 was the sportsman's chance. Every " buck " 

 ought to bring a bird. Did it? Not it. 

 Listen! Did you hear the "bang"? I 

 didn't not when I wanted to. I pulled she 

 snapped. No time to change cartridge now, 

 so must try again. She may go the second 

 time. All this while, bear in mind, they 

 were rushing away, for they got a view of me 

 when they circled, so when she was ranged 

 the second time, they were more than 

 80 yards off, and considerably scattered. 

 Expecting her to refuse again, I was careless 

 in my range, and, when she responded, was 



