Then wait till the ducks rise, and let go at 'em." There was another interval full of excitement; the punt was sent quietly toward the end of the reed-bed; and in obedience to his instructions Dick knelt ready to fire--Tom watching him enviously, and wishing it were his turn.
Nearer, nearer, with the punt allowed to go on now by the force of the last thrust given to it, till the last patch of reed was cleared; and there, not twenty yards away, swam a fine shieldrake and four ducks.
As the punt glided into sight there was a splashing and whirring of wings, a great outcry, and away went the birds.
"Now, lad!" cried Dave; and the gun was fired with a deafening report.
But no feathers flew--no unfortunate duck or drake dropped, broken-winged, into the water.

The only living being injured was Dick, who sat up rubbing his shoulder softly.
"I say," he said, "how that gun kicks!" "Yes," said Dave dryly, "I put a big charge in her, my lad; but it was a pity to waste it." "I couldn't help missing," said Dick.

"They were so quick." "Nay, you wouldn't try to hit 'em, lad, because you thought you'd hot 'em," said Dave, chuckling; and Tom laughed, while Dick sat and nursed the gun in silence, till the punt was poled ashore and its contents landed.
"Now," said Dave, "I've got a rabbud-pie as I made mysen.

Come and hev a bit, lads; and then you shall take home a dozen pie-wipes apiece.
It'll be moonlight, and I'll soon punt you across." That pie, in spite of the rough surroundings, was delicious; and Dick forgot to pity the poor rabbits, and he did not refuse to take his dozen lapwings home for a welcome addition to the next day's dinner.
"You see, Tom," he whispered, "I think I was a little too particular.
Good-night, Dave, and thank you!" he shouted.
"Good-night, lads--good-night!" came off the water.

Then there was a splash of the pole, and Dave disappeared in the moonlit mist which silvered the reeds, while the boys trudged the rest of their way home..