THE BOIS DE LA TRAPPE. 181 



" You have spoilt my sport. The ducks can see you, and 

 I shall not be able to get a shot." - v 



Presently we observed the head of a man, covered with 

 reeds, and very much resembling the mythological represen- 

 tation of a river god, as he is seen either at the opera, or the 

 statue of Neptune in the Tuileries ; gardens, if his gun 

 which he carried straight erect in the air, had only been 

 surmounted by a trident. ~ ; ' . I I . .-< 



" Silence !" said the Triton; ! " the ducks are coming this - 



They were flying straight towards us, but perceiving our 

 boat, turned suddenly round, and the result of a simultaneous 

 volley was only the winging of one' bird, which soon swam 

 away to rejoin its companions. ; 



" I told you so," said the river-god, as he scrambled out of 

 his hiding-place, covered with mud, .which was freezing on 

 his skin; "I told you so. Ducks can always see boats. It 

 is impossible to hide them. If they flew on the surface of 

 the water, well and good; but as their flight is generally 

 high up in the air, they can look down, and detect all your 

 manoeuvres." < . >-' , ,. f , ./, ; . . . , 



"You may talk as you please, but we shall not be tempted 

 to imitate you." 



" So much the worse for you; but I shall now take up my 

 position in another part of the swamp, and pray do me the 

 favour to allow me to remain quiet." 



" What, are you going to take another bath 1 ?" 



"It does not cost much." 



" Who knows ? <; Suppose you get an inflammation of the 

 lungs?" 



" That is about the worst I can expect." 



" At all events, you are sure to catch cold." 



"It is just what I am seeking." 



" With a little good luck you are sure to find it." 



