26 A Sportsman at Large 



Even the generally imperturbable Dads was heard to 

 ejaculate: " D the little beast ! " 



Well, at any rate, the delinquent had succeeded in scatter- 

 ing the birds in all directions, and as our trusty henchman 

 had carefully marked down four brace of them, a good chance 

 of taking toll was afforded. 



It is sure an ill wind that blows nobody any good ! 



As often was the case in those parts, partridges, when 

 thoroughly scared, were wont to take cover in the hedge- 

 rows, and so it happened on this auspicious occasion. So 

 now a new method of attack was devised. 



The Dads and I were on one side of the fence, whilst Ii win 

 and Gaffer Gill were on the other ; but lo ! and behold, 

 although we traversed its whole length, and though Ward and 

 Hedges were busy with their sticks, not a feather fluttered ; 

 for the said hedge was thick and " blind," with a deep ditch 

 overgrown with blackberry brambles on our side. Both dogs 

 had been taken up, but now my precious little mongrel was 

 to come into his own. After some demur he was loosed, and 

 immediately set to work on the lee side of the fence. Sure 

 enough, we had not gone fifty yards before he pulled up and 

 gave most obvious signs that he had discovered the lie of a 

 lurking bird. As we came up, he dashed in. 



" Look out, Irwin ! " shouted The Dads. Next moment 

 a report on the far side of the hedge was heard, followed by 

 my brother's exultant " Got 'im ! " 



The first bird of the season 1 



Further on, Toby, who had issued on the other side, in 

 hopes of chawing up the victim (in which nefarious endeavour 

 he was thwarted by the agility of Ward), made another dash, 

 and this time a bird bustled out our way. It seems that 

 The Dads and I loosed off simultaneously. But I was not 

 aware that my parent had fired. Down came the bird and I 

 was puffed up with pride. 



" Bravo, old boy ! " exclaimed The Dads, " that was a 

 grand shot ! " Then I noticed that my parent was reloading. 



" Did you fire, Dads ? " I asked, somewhat crestfallen. 



" Why, yes, dear boy ; " quickly adding, " but I know I 

 missed. It's your bird all right I " 



