VERMIN CATCHING, ETC. 125 



he was to come down with Williams, and I was 

 to be caught, <c in flagrant e delicto" 



The trusty Williams was quietly and con- 

 tentedly sipping his glass of hot whiskey and 

 water which his master had provided him with, 

 when bang, bang in the heart of the cover 

 reached his astonished ears. 



" What is that ?" said his master. Bang, 

 bang, again. " In the cover, by George ! corne 

 along." 



They were soon on me. I was walking 

 quietly along, with a pheasant's tail sticking 

 out of each pocket. I had procured the birds 

 from the game larder. 



" Who are you, you scoundrel ?" said my 

 friend, coming up with a broad grin on his 

 countenance. 



" What is that to you ?" I returned. 



" Here, Williams," he called to his keeper, 

 " take that fellow's gun from him, it's after sun- 

 set. Night poaching, by Jupiter." 



" Now, you chap," said the valiant Williams, 

 " give up that iron ; it's no use your trying to 

 put the double on I, give it up and come 

 along." 



