o them, formed such
exact counterparts of geese that the wild birds might well be excused
for mistaking them for friends. Indeed tyros at this work have been
known to fire at such decoys believing them to be genuine birds.

Even while they were thus engaged one and another flock of ducks and
geese passed them on their way to warmer climes; of course sheering off
as they passed. But when the arrangement was completed, and the two
boys, crouching low, gazed at the horizon with eager looks, the wild
birds no longer avoided the spot. On the contrary, seeing the decoys,
they rather inclined to pass close to the place.

In flying down a river, or along the margin of a lake, wild birds may
diverge a little to follow the sinuosities of bank or shore, but they
will not get out of the way of a projecting promontory; they rather make
a short cut by crossing over it.

The young hunters had not to wait long.

"There's a flock of geese coming," said Archie in a whisper, though the
birds were at the moment some miles away. "Take the first shot, Little
Bill."

They had only one gun between them.

"I don't like to," said Billie, "that thing gave me such an awful kick
last time, and I can't stand it now."

"O! there's no fear, I put in only a small charge of powder-and-shot, on
purpose. It won't kick hard this time. Try."

"Well, I'll try," said Billie, taking the gun.

"Aim well in advance, Bill. They fly fast, and primin' gets damp
sometimes."

A flock of small geese was approaching. The boys became dumb, but they
had remarkably speaking eyes.

Animated by curiosity, the flock descended to observe the decoys. How
often that feeling of curiosity has proved fatal--not only to feathered
geese!

Little Bill raised his gun. Puff! went the priming. Bang! went the
charge. One of the birds, describing a beautiful curve, fell with
bursting violence on the ground.

"Well done, Billie," cried his brother enthusiastically as he leaped
over the sheltering brush and ran to secure the prize. "A few like that
will give a supper to the whole camp. Now, then," he added on
returning, "you'll try again."

"No, Archie. It's your turn now--and the thing _did_ give me a
tremendous kick."

"But I will put in still less powder this time, Little Bill, and less
shot too, so you'll have to be careful of your aim. See, there's
another flock coming--there, take it, and down with you. I do believe
they are big fellows."

Thus