PORTRAITS IN INK 203 



big boys, tackle, is uncle to them all and rejoices in 

 their luck as if it were his own. 



As you listen to his kindly and interested dis- 

 course concerning the wild world and its sports 

 that he so unaffectedly loves, and look at the 

 homely, genial face in setting of grizzled hair and 

 beard, beaming with genuine enthusiasm, you 

 realize that it needs something more than learned 

 talk of high-bred dogs, fine guns and fancy tackle, 

 or the possession of them, to make a true sports- 

 man, for here is one in patched raiment and leather 

 apron, who scarcely knows a pointer from a setter, 

 nor ever owned a high-priced gun or rod, and yet 

 is a true sportsman in the best sense of that 

 abused title, for he is an ardent lover of honest 

 sport, appreciating something in its achievements 

 beyond skillful slaughter and the making of heavy 

 scores. Is it not a privilege to have the confidence 

 of this honest man and to associate with this sim- 

 ple and enthusiastic lover of nature? 



IV. THE ANTICIPATOR 



IF all sportsmen were like our harmless friend, 

 game might live a quiet life and die of old age, 

 while its human enemies were getting ready for a 

 campaign against it. 



Even though it makes you impatient, you can- 

 not help being amused by the fuss of his constant 

 preparation, nor fail to be warmed by his steady 



