RETURN. 71 



ebbed considerably, the creeks were occupied by 

 flocks of curlews and sandpipers. By cautiously 

 approaching these inlets, sometimes making a 

 wide detour where the nature of the ground ren- 

 dered it advisable, sometimes crawling on my 

 hands and feet as I neared the margin, I was 

 enabled to stalk several of the former birds suc- 

 cessfully, and to get two or three ' family shots ' 

 at the latter. Before I reached the mouth of the 

 haven, I found my baggage and artillery rather 

 heavier than I could conveniently carry in the 

 teeth of a north-eastern gale ; so leaving my 

 duck-gun and the greater part of my booty in 

 charge of my friend, the coastguard-man, until 

 the following day, I retraced my steps along the 

 beach, not forgetting to pick up my fairy-fishes 

 on the way, and slinging the hooper over one 

 shoulder as a trophy of my sport. 



