Look, lads, another wisp! See how low they fly.

They mean feeding." The boys leaped into the punt, and Dick was about to seize the pole, but Dave stopped him.
"Nay, lad, let me send her across.

Save time." "Then may I have a shot at the first heron I see ?" "Nay, nay; don't let's scar' the birds, lad.

It's netting to-day.
We'll shute another time when they wean't come near the net." Dick gave way, and Dave took the pole, to send the light punt skimming over the water, and in and out among the reed-beds through which, puzzling as they would have been to a stranger, he thrust the vessel rapidly.

They were full of devious channels, and Dave seemed to prefer these, for even when there was a broad open piece of water in front he avoided it, to take his way through some zigzag lane with the reeds brushing the boat on either side, and often opening for himself a way where there was none.
The man worked hard, but it seemed to have no effect upon him; and when the lads were not watching him and his energetic action, there was always something to take up their attention.