PODGERS POINTER 99 



" I — I — I'd rather you'd let him see what your 

 doGj will do," blurted Podsjers, 



'' Oh, dear no ! " returned Mr O'Eooney. " Let 

 him go now. You'll take the first shot." 



Very reluctantly indeed did Podgers unloose his 

 pointer, uttering into the dog's ear in a low tone 

 the most terrilic and appalling threats should he 

 fail to prove himself all that my fancy had painted 

 him. With a loud bark of defiance Albatross darted 

 away, scurrying through the turnips at the rate of 

 fifteen miles an hour, utterly unmindful of whistle, 

 call, blandishment, or threat, appearing now in one 

 direction, now in another, and barking as though it 

 had been part of its training. 



" Stop that dog," cried our host, " he won't leave 

 us a bird," as covey after covey of partridges rose 

 beyond range and flew away. Albatross joyously 

 barking after them. 



" You said I was to have the first shot, Mr 

 O'Rooney," said Podgers, in a tone fidl of 

 solemnity. 



" Certainly, if you can get it ; which I doubt," 

 was the curt reply. 



Albatross had dashed within twenty yards of 

 us, and was plunging off in another direction, 

 when Podgers ran forward, raised his gun. 

 Bang ! 



