cHAP. vit.) Shoots the Little Stint. 141 
in the direction from which they had come. Back I went 
also, and found them at the old place. 
Just as I reached them, away they flew once more, and, 
of course, away I went likewise. In this way we continued 
nearly the whole day—they flying to and fro, I following 
them. Toward evening my strength beginning to fail, and 
feeling quite exhausted, I gave up the chase, and once more 
took up my abode among the shingle, in the hope that they 
might again return there for the night. Just as I wished 
and expected, and while it was yet light, they came and 
alighted about thirty yards from where I lay. Away went 
fatigue, bunger, and thoughts of home! In fact, the sight 
of this object of my day and night’s solicitude made me a 
new creature. Off went-the messengers of death. Two of 
the birds fell; the rest fled once more to the sea. I fol- 
lowed, but had not proceeded far when I observed one 
falter. Leaving its companions, it bent its course toward 
where I stood, and suddenly dropped almost at my feet. 
As I picked up the little thing, I could not but feel thank- 
ful that my patience and perseverance had at last been 
crowned with success. It was the first little stint I had 
ever shot, and the only one I have ever seen in this neigh- 
borhood.” 
In thus pursuing his eon Edward lost much of his 
time, and, in proportion to his time, he also lost much of 
his wages. But his master used to assist him in making 
up his lost time. Jt was a common remark of his, “ Give 
Tam the stuff for a pair of shoes at night, and if he has 
any of his cantrips in view, we are sure to have them in the 
morning ready for the customer.” Edward took the stuff 
home with him, and, instead of going to bed, worked at the 
shoes all night, until they were finished and ready for de- 
livery. He had another advantage in making up for lost 
time. His part of the trade was of the lightest sort. He 
made light shoes and pumps. Mle was one of those who, 
among the craft, are denominated ready. He was thus able 
