208 THE WILD TURKEY AND ITS HUNTING 



of him; then sit down, give a yelp or two, and 

 end with a cluck. That will reassure him at 

 once, and he will most surely gobble in reply ; if 

 so, you sit still. Have your rifle in readiness so 

 that no move be made when he comes into view. 

 Very likely you have waited some time since he 

 gobbled last, and apparently he has quit all 

 strutting. There is another ominous pause, but 

 you are ready for him and on the sharp lookout. 

 You are sorely vexed, but your good judgment 

 keeps you alert while the other hunters have 

 long since gone home. 



"Gil-obble-obble-obble." Sh-e-e-e-e. There 

 he is within thirty paces to the right at a half 

 strut. What a bird ! See his noble bearing, the 

 bronzed coat, the glint in the keen eye. You 

 can 't move now, for he sees you, but he has not 

 made you out. Be still and let him pass behind 

 that big oak, then turn quickly before he comes 

 into view again. Ah! that low green bush has 

 obscured him; he has passed out of sight and 

 does not reappear. Your nerves begin to run 

 like the wheels of a clock with the balance off. 

 Your disappointment is inconsolable. "Gil- 



