THE DROWNED LANDS. 153 



measured strokes, keeping time to the song of the oarsmen, the 

 lithe boats skimmed the water toward the low islands Jackson had 

 indicated to us. On reaching the shore we found the land was 

 marshy and wet, and about half the area overgrown with flags, 

 now blown down by the fall winds. 



"Not a bad place, is it?" said Jackson, looking around the 

 island. 



" By no means ; see these little red-scummed puddles, and bare 

 spots of mud ; they 'd make a snipe's bill water." 



" Escape ! Escape ! " shrieked a snipe, as he sprung into the air 

 a few yards in front of us, tacking from side to side, and settling 

 again on the further side of a little pond. 



" There, I told you so ! Hold on now till I draw my duck- 

 shot. Lou, are you ready ? " 



" Eeady as I will be. I am going to rely on the Doctor." 



" I will take a little fine shot, then, number ten. I follow your 

 lead, Jackson." 



" Mike, are you ready ? " 



" Yes, I reckon, 'bout, though I don't see nothin' to shoot here." 



" You just keep even, and we will see plenty to shoot. Send 

 out your dog, Doctor." 



" Hi on, "Wag ! Hi on ! " but Wag seemed to suspect some trick 

 under such unaccustomed attention, and skulked behind his master. 

 The first step ahead sprung another snipe, and, being intent on the 

 game, I shot it as it balanced. 



" Hulloah ! give a fellow time," said the Doctor. 



" That bird flew right in the way of the shot ! " said Mike, his 

 eye kindling, and his mouth expressing doubt and curiosity. 



" Have you ever killed a snipe, Lou ? " said I, the formality of 

 the family name having been gradually dropped on all sides as 

 the freedom of our hunting excursions brought us into closer 

 intimacy. 



 Yes, two ; I never had much opportunity for such game, and 

 never learned to shoot them on the wing." 



" Now is your chance, then ; there goes a shot ! " 

 Two barrels were discharged, one by Jackson, and one by the 

 Doctor, but the birds went off. 



