316 BROADLAND SPORT 



using the same gun now, we fixed the sling and found it most 

 useful. The sling in no way interferes with the shooting, and 

 by throwing the strap over one shoulder both hands are free, 

 and the gun can be quickly brought up to sight any object 

 required. For some hours we enjoyed the most excellent 

 sport. 



When a knoll was approached on which a covey of part- 

 ridges had been marked down we circumvented it, sending a 

 beater over the marram-clad heights to disturb the birds ; and 

 the shots they afforded as they whirred overhead inland, 

 coupled with the wild nature of the surroundings, gave a 

 thrill of pleasure to success which no ordinary day's sport 

 could produce. 



Noon arrived all too quickly, and weary afoot and heavily 

 laden with the spoils of the chase, our faces were turned 

 homewards. Fain would we have continued the work until 

 the light waned and the curlew's weird evening call 

 heralded the coming gloom, but a telegram had unceremoni- 

 ously summoned our return, and time and trains wait for no 

 man. 



After lunch, reluctantly we bade our adieux and were soon 

 retravelling the weary marshland dam, with its dangerous 

 dykes and giant watermills, our faces towards the uplands, 

 which could be but faintly seen on the distant horizon, our 

 backs, alas ! being turned upon those hospitable walls where we 

 fain would but too readily have stayed and seen more of the 

 goodly folks within. 



As we bumped along on the uneven road, turning in our 

 mind the experience of the visit and gazing absently at a 

 mirage which glittered in the sunlight over the marsh level, 

 we reflected with satisfaction that we had at least left behind 

 two little souls supremely happy rattling their sweet tin 

 under the lee of the Norfolk sandhills. 



