252 DUCK-SHOOTING. 



One of the attaches of our club-house, without 

 whom it would be deprived of many pleasant fea- 

 tures, and who is a remarkable and eccentric 

 character, is called Henry a Canadian Frenchman. 

 He possesses the lightheartedness, the honesty 

 and trustworthiness of that peculiar class, with the 

 strongest prejudices against mean and underhanded 

 actions and those who are guilty of them ; he is, in 

 his own obstinate way, devoted to the service of 

 those who enjoy his esteem. Animated with strong 

 dislikes, he is barely polite to those who have ex- 

 cited his distrust, while he will do anything for his 

 favorites. He is a good shot, and thoroughly ac- 

 quainted with the marsh and the habits of the 

 birds, but on no terms will he make any sugges- 

 tions as to the most promising localities. To the 

 question, no matter how casually or confidingly 

 uttered : 



" Well, Henry, where had 1 better go, to-day? " 

 He will respond, looking you calmly in the face, 

 and in a slightly admonitory tone : 



" You know I never give advice, sir." 



His greatest favorites can obtain no more satisfac- 

 tory answer, and in fact not much information of 

 any kind, from him in relation to the flight or 

 haunts of the birds. He appears to have ' dis- 

 covered that knowledge worth having is worth 

 working for, and is resolved that every man shall 

 be his own schoolmaster. lie has quite an insight 

 into character, and appreciates the members of the 

 club and their peculiarities, 



