hysterical cackle, with a wild beating of pin- 

 ions and a frantic tugging at the anchor 

 as she strove mightily to join her kindred. 

 As they swung together with necks up sus- 

 piciously — for no wild water-fowl likes any 

 welcome or demonstration beyond the uni- 

 versal uplifting of wings — she ceased her 

 wild struggle and called softly. Instantly the 

 leader answered and the whole flock drew in 

 steadily towards the shore. 



Behind the rough screen of grass and 

 bushes the boy's heart began to beat loudly 

 as he clutched his long musket. The hunter 

 was wide-awake again, and here were the 

 geese — great splendid birds that never be- 

 fore were nearer than the heavens — almost 

 within gunshot, drawing steadily nearer and 

 calling as they came on. In front of him 

 the old gray goose, full of a nameless excite- 

 ment, jabbered back at the flock and swung 

 rapidly in small circles about her anchor. 

 Her excitement increased ; the flock halted, 

 wavered, veered aside ; then the heart of 

 the old goose went after them in a wild 

 honk! with a break in it like the fall of 



187 



In Quest of 

 Waptonlct^- 



