270 SHOOTING-RIGHTS OF 



down, and finds D. E. beginning solemnly 

 to "get up 'taters." 



"Yes, I shut," he replies. " Quest ^ It 

 was. I missed un, thouoh." Now what 

 Is the keeper to do ? He Is pretty certain 

 the man's quick eye caught sight of a 

 pheasant running out of the potato patch, 

 and that this bird now lies dead amonorst 

 the potato haulms, probably with a shovelful 

 of earth over him. Kllllna- orame without 

 a licence, no doubt. But a search would 

 be fruitless, as would be an examination 

 of the first basket of potatoes taken up. 

 If he waits, the bird will remain till it rots, 

 If necessary. Besides, how can he wait ? 

 If he goes. It will go up to the cottage, 

 perhaps by the wife who brings the dinner. 

 Besides, he may be all wrong. D. E. 



^ Woodpigeon. 



