HILL SPORT AHEAD 185 



We walked along to the island as spry of foot 

 as if we were going for a dance. Our house- 

 keeper came from the main just as we were 

 leaving in the morning, so that when the 

 door was open the air was so fragrant with 

 savoury fumes from roast brant it was almost 

 impossible to control our appetites to get 

 ready for the table. Now, my readers, come 

 right in, and partake with us. There is 

 plenty. Three large brants. Now, do come, 

 and delight all hands of us. Did you hear 

 what the cook said then " Save your appe- 

 tites for some of this plum-pudding " ? Now, 

 don't stay back with the idea there is not 

 enough for us and you. Just hear that S. 

 and John on that side of the table groaning. 

 I knew they would, if they kept up the pace 

 they started in at ; but S. says he was 

 sighing because he had to let up on goose for 

 that pudding. You may believe that explana- 

 tion if you like. I won't. I know them too 

 well. We had enough movability left to set 

 back from the table, smoke a cigar, and leave 

 for the Land of Nod for the space of two 

 hours. When we returned, John and Will, 

 who returned sooner, had the geese drawn, 



