f the gull tribe, promising to be an
admirable addition to the pot.

But though they advanced cautiously, neither the major nor Mark could
get within shot, the birds taking alarm and scurrying over the sand
rapidly.

They tried again, taking shelter, going through all the manoeuvres of a
stalker; but their quarry was too wary, and went off at a tremendous
rate, but only to stop when well out of reach and begin digging and
scratching in the sand somewhat after the fashion of common fowls.

"It's of no use," said Mark at last, throwing himself down hot and
exhausted after they had followed the tempting creatures for fully a
mile.

"No use!" said the major. "What, give up! Do you know what Lord Lytton
says in Richelieu?"

"No," said Mark wearily; and then to himself--"and I don't care."

"`In the bright lexicon of youth there is no such word as fail.'"

"But then Lord Lytton had not been out here hungry and thirsty, toiling
after these sandy jack-o'-lanterns with a heavy gun," said Mark.

"Probably not," said the major. "But, never mind: we may get a shot
yet. One more steady try, and then we'll go back."

"Oh, Major O'Halloran, what a man you are to walk!" said Mark, rising
wearily.

"Yes, my lad," said the major smiling. "I belong to a marching
regiment. Now, look here, Mark; I'm quite sure those birds would eat
deliciously roasted, and that the ladies would each like a bit of the
breast."

"Let's try, then, once more," said Mark; and they went on, with Bruff
dutifully trotting behind waiting for the first shot and the fall of a
bird.

But no; as they advanced the birds still went on, running well out of
range and stopping again to scratch and feed.

There were about fifteen of them, and the more they kept ahead the more
eager grew their stalkers, till after this had been going on for another
half-hour Bruff could stand it no longer, but dashed off at full speed,
barking furiously, with the result that instead of running off like the
wind the birds stopped staring for a few seconds and then all took
flight.

"That's done it!" cried the major angrily. "Hang that dog! No: look,
Mark!"

"Yes, we may get a shot now," he cried; "they're all in those trees."

"Well, keep close in, and we'll have a try."

They had a couple of hundred yards to go to where Bruff stood barking
furiously at the birds, which kept in the moderately high boughs staring
stupidly down at him, and so intent upon the beast,