154 Sea fcf Shore Birds 



come rather excitedly, but quite solemnly, to inform 

 the Slayer that a fine big seal was lying on a particular 

 rock, and might possibly lie there until he was shot. 



It was more than probable that it would continue 

 to do so even afterwards ! 



All the house party were informed of the nature of 

 the beast, except, of course, the Slayer. 



Then came the message. 



" A fine seal on a rock not far from the shore, and 

 with the glasses in view of the house." 



Fearful excitement, by no means feigned on any 

 one's part, for all are bursting with curiosity to know 

 how the seal-stalking will end. 



I, arch-hypocrite, standing on the terrace by the 

 Slayer's side, who is awaiting the coming of his rifle, 

 look through a telescope and say mournfully, as if 

 fearful of breaking such bad news, that for my part 

 the supposed seal only looks like a lump of seaweed. 

 And I can bear being told by the Slayer, somewhat 

 flatly and in an unvarnished kind of way, that I am an 

 idiot, for I think to myself that those who laugh may 

 win, or is it " those who win may laugh " ? 



At present my laugh is up my sleeve ; it will come 

 out later on. 



" &YZ weed ! any fool can see it's a seal." 



I retort, that not being a fool, is no doubt the 

 reason why I haven't made that discovery ! 



But these compliments from the Slayer come to an 

 abrupt end by the fact of his rifle being handed to him ; 

 and, accompanied by his brother, who winks back at 

 the rest of us, away he goes for the shore and the punt. 



