200 The Grouse Family 



I was using, by request, a beautiful seven-pound 

 hammerless, the property of my comrade. It 

 suited me to perfection, and I had offered a stiff 

 price for it, but, owing to its having been pre- 

 sented to him, he would not sell. Presently he 

 said, " See those two sharptails on that stack — 

 go kill 'em both, and I'll give you that gun for 

 nothing." 



" I'll take you," I retorted, and began the stalk- 

 Contrary to all expectations the birds remained 

 on the stack until I had approached within twenty 

 yards. They were beauties as they stepped about 

 with crests perked, up, tails slightly raised, and 

 furry pantalettes recklessly displayed in a most 

 unladylike manner. Once they crossed, and I 

 was seized with a diabolical longing to blow their 

 heads off and claim the gun, but they were too 

 pretty for that. From the rear I could hear my 

 friend bawling, " Look out, there ! Steady now ! 

 Toho ! To-ho-o-o ! Catch 'em ! " and I guessed 

 he was getting anxious about his gun and was 

 doing his best to induce a case of rattles. Still 

 the fool birds minced to and fro, despite my 

 frantic whistling and hissing at them. To go 

 nearer would bring me too close to the stack, 

 while it seemed that every instant they must fly. 



Only those who have undergone periods of 

 nerve-racking suspense can appreciate my sensa- 

 tions. Suddenly, and precisely when I was sure 



