tive part of one can do the preparations, but the actual
shooting requires a more ordered frame of mind. By this time my wits
had snapped back into place. I had the satisfaction of seeing the duck's
outstretched neck wilt; of hearing him hit the ground with a thud
somewhere beyond.

Marking the line of his fall, I stepped confidently forward, and without
any warning whatever found myself standing on the bank of an irrigation
ditch. It was filled to the brim with placid water on which floated a
few downy feathers. On this side was dry sod; and on the other was dry
sod. Nothing indicated the presence of that straight band of silvery
water until one stood fairly at its brink. To the right I could see its
sides narrow to the point of a remote perspective. To the left it ran
for a few hundred yards, then apparently came to an abrupt stop where it
turned at an angle.

In the meantime, my duck was on the other side; I was in my citizen's
clothes.

No solution offered in sight, so I made my way to the left where I could
look around the bend. Nearing the bend I was seized with a bright idea.
I dropped back below the line of sight, sneaked quietly to the bank,
and, my eye almost level with the water, peered down the new vista. Sure
enough, not a hundred and fifty yards away floated another band of
ducks.

I watched them for a moment until I was sure, by various small
landmarks, of their exact location. Then I dropped back far enough so
that, even standing erect, I would be below the line of vision of those
ducks; strolled along until opposite my landmarks; then, bolt upright,
walked directly forward, the gun at ready. When within twenty yards the
ducks arose. It was, of course, easy shooting. Both fell across the
ditch. That did not worry me; if worst came to worst I could strip and
wade.

This seemed to be an exceedingly unique and interesting way to shoot
ducks. To be sure, I had only two shells left; but then, it must be
almost breakfast time. I repeated the feat a half mile farther on,
discovered a flood gate over which I could get to the other side,
collected my five ducks, and cut across country to the ranch. The sun
was just getting in its work on the frost. Long files of wagons and men
could be seen disappearing in the distance. I entered proudly, only ten
minutes late.

CHAPTER V

QUAIL

The family assembled took my statement with extraordinary calm,
contenting themselves with a general inquiry as to