SINO-MONGOLIAN FRONTIER 
We were not disappointed, for presently the 
familiar cry was heard, and barely above the 
horizon we could see a long V-shaped line, which 
steadily drew nearer. Then we saw another, 
and another, till it seemed as though from the 
north advanced a conquering army, the many 
battalions of which were bearing down upon us. 
On they came, till the first row was almost within 
range of our guns, when, suddenly, at a warning 
cry from the leader, who formed the apex of the 
V, and had evidently caught sight of something 
that raised his suspicions, the whole flock rose 
high into the air, passing safely over us. 
The next line delayed this manceuvre till too 
late. As our guns rang out, two birds dropped 
back from the advancing line. One came hurtling 
down and struck the bank like a cannon ball; 
the other, struggling desperately to keep its 
balance, swerved to the left, and with a mighty 
rush plunged into the swirling waters behind us, 
where presently it could be seen floating rapidly 
down stream. It reached some mudbanks in 
the centre, and leaving the water lay down to rest. 
It did not take long to secure this bird, though a 
wetting was naturally the price. 
After this incident, no more geese appeared, 
so setting up my little accordion boat, we crossed 
the river to where some thick grass spread over 
a large area of ground. This we beat through 
and were rewarded with a couple of hares and a 
brace or two of quail. 
7 
