THE INDIFFERENT YOUNG GOBBLER 217 



around again to be reassured. Now there is a 

 rustle in the top of the tree, and you see the 

 leaves move, for he has turned on the limb and 

 you may see a portion of his body. You dare 

 not shoot or risk a bullet through that brush. 

 Wait. "Croc, croc"; he walks along the limb a 

 few feet, but you still get only glimpses. "Croc, 

 croc" and down he sails to the earth. A cloud 

 of dry leaves arises around him and settles again 

 as he closes his broad wings and straightens up. 

 Now is your chance; bag him. 



When the young gobbler once makes up his 

 mind to go to your call, there is little or no stop- 

 ping on his part. He walks boldy along, as if he 

 had no fear of anything. But be careful; he will 

 see you surely if you make an unnecessary mo- 

 tion, and there is no compromising a mistake 

 with him. His adieu is final. He is a bird of the 

 fewest words at any time, and stands upon the 

 idea that absolute silence is safety. His habits 

 are exclusive and retiring, seldom showing him- 

 self in openings, although at times he is fond of 

 open pastures or prairies where he can see all 

 around him. 



