THE SHARP-TAILED GROUSE. 85 



fell with a bump into the grass, while the first 

 one, gliding far across the prairie with wondrous 

 speed, suddenly rose in air and, setting both 

 wings, slid down the wind, stone-dead. 



The dog moved not a muscle. Right well 

 we knew what that meant, and hastened to re- 

 load. But before the guns were half loaded 

 Bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbb went three more grouse, like 

 snowballs from a cannon, out of sight over the 

 next swell; and, just as we got the caps half on, 

 more burst with obstreperous wing from about 

 the same spot and went like happiness away. 

 And still the dog, gently sniffing the cool, 

 strong breeze, stood like a rock. 



Just as we concluded there must be more 

 lying near the same place, a dozen with tumult- 

 uous uproar broke from the cover, some curling 

 around on the side, some spinning straight away, 

 all rising and all going, O how swiftly! while 

 the guns belched lurid lightning amid the white 

 birches and aspens. 



What? Did we get any? Send stamp for my 

 companion's address. Perhaps he will tell you. 



And still the dog did not move. He merely 

 turned his nose a little on one side while we 



