ds that
fell to a single shot, as I think I shall, Hernan has killed five out of
six, which can scarcely be bettered."

"Yes," I answered; "but, mynheer, be so good as to have those geese
collected and put upon one side. I don't want them mixed up with mine,
if I am lucky enough to bring any down."

He nodded, and some Kaffirs were sent to bring in the geese. Several of
these, I noted, were still flapping and had to have their necks twisted,
but at the time I did not go to look at them. While this was being done
I called to Retief, and begged him to examine the powder and bullets I
was about to use.

"What's the good?" he asked, looking at me curiously. "Powder is powder,
and a bullet is a bullet."

"None, I dare say. Still, oblige me by looking at them, my uncle."

Then at my bidding Hans took six bullets and placed them in his hand,
begging him to return them to us as they were wanted.

"They must be a great deal smaller than Hernan's," said Retief, "who,
being stronger, uses a heavier gun."

"Yes," I answered briefly, as Hans put the charge of powder into the
rifle, and drove home the wad. Then, taking a bullet from Retief's hand,
he rammed that down on to the top of it, capped the gun, and handed it
to me.

By now the geese were coming thick, for the flight was at its full.
Only, either because some of those that had already passed had sighted
the Kaffirs collecting the fallen birds and risen--an example which
the others noted from afar and followed--or because in an unknown way
warning of their danger had been conveyed to them, they were flying
higher and faster than the first arrivals.

"You will have the worst of it, Allan," said Retief. "It should have
been shot and shot about."

"Perhaps," I answered, "but that can't be helped now."

Then I rose from my stool, the rifle in my hand. I had not long to wait,
for presently over came a wedge of geese nearly a hundred yards up. I
aimed at the first fellow, holding about eight yards ahead of him to
allow for his pace, and pressed. Next second I heard the clap of the
bullet, but alas! it had only struck the outstretched beak, of which
a small portion fell to the ground. The bird itself, after wavering
a second, resumed its place as leader of the squad and passed away
apparently unharmed.

"Baas, baas," whispered Hans as he seized the rifle and began to
re-load, "you were too far in front. These big water-birds do not travel
as fast as the rock pigeons."