SINO-MONGOLIAN FRONTIER 



We were not disappointed, for presently the 

 familiar cry was heard, and barely above the 

 horizon we could see a long V-shaped line, which 

 steadily drew nearer. Then we saw another, 

 and another, till it seemed as though from the 

 north advanced a conquering army, the many 

 battalions of which were bearing down upon us. 

 On they came, till the first row was almost within 

 range of our guns, when, suddenly, at a warning 

 cry from the leader, who formed the apex of the 

 V, and had evidently caught sight of something 

 that raised his suspicions, the whole flock rose 

 high into the air, passing safely over us. 



The next line delayed this manoeuvre till too 

 late. As our guns rang out, two birds dropped 

 back from the advancing line. One came hurtling 

 down and struck the bank like a cannon ball ; 

 the other, struggling desperately to keep its 

 balance, swerved to the left, and with a mighty 

 rush plunged into the swirling waters behind us, 

 where presently it could be seen floating rapidly 

 down stream. It reached some mudbanks in 

 the centre, and leaving the water lay down to rest. 

 It did not take long to secure this bird, though a 

 wetting was naturally the price. 



After this incident, no more geese appeared, 

 so setting up my little accordion boat, we crossed 

 the river to where some thick grass spread over 

 a large area of ground. This we beat through 

 and were rewarded with a couple of hares and a 

 brace or two of quail. 



75 



