THE GREETING OF THE GEESE 197 



loomed up on the sled, and they grew larger 

 when allowed to look in the game-closet. A 

 lot of Canadian geese, such as we had hanging 

 there after this day's success, presented a sight 

 pretty enough for a picture. They partook of 

 our clam feast and pancakes, leaving Derry 

 Island with a flattering report to make of our 

 success at so early a stage in the outing. 



The following morning we decided to divide 

 our forces somewhat, by Will going out alone 

 in the Daisy, leaving me to look after the ice- 

 blind, while S. and John went in their boat. 

 When the ebb tide answered, they started for 

 their boats and the open water, while I par- 

 took myself to the blind, not reaching it any 

 too soon, for scarcely was I under cover when 

 my ears were greeted with a good morning 

 "houk ! " from two geese flying directly for 

 the decoys, but very high. They were invited 

 to draw nearer by a responsive " houk ! " from 

 that prostrate gander behind the cover, which 

 they could not resist, so they swerved from 

 their course up harbour, made a circle, drop- 

 ping 40 yards, and have spread their wings to 

 light amongst those outside decoys ; but they 

 did not do it, for No. 8 with a bang sent one 



