Then he appeared again higher up, trotted on, leaped over the low wood bar, and joined his master for more cheese.
And so it went on, Dave going higher and higher from screen to screen, and the dog slowly following and alternately appearing to and disappearing from the sight of the ducks, which never of course caught sight of Dave, who was too well hidden behind the screens.
At last they were lured on and on so far by the dog that they were where the ditch began to bend round more sharply and the pipe was narrowing.
This was the time for a fresh proceeding.
Dave had gone on right up to the farthest screen, and suddenly dived into a narrow path through the trees which led him, quite concealed from view, round and back to the first screen.

He passed the boys, making them a sign to be silent, and then went right round that first screen just as Chip was appearing far up by the side of the pipe--and the flock of ducks were following--and quickly now showed himself at the mouth of the trap.
The ducks saw him instantly, and there was a slight commotion as he took off and held up his hat; but there was no attempt at flight, the birds merely swam on rapidly farther toward the end and disappeared round the curve.
Dave went quickly on past a screen or two and showed himself again, the curve of the pipe bringing him once more into view.

He held up his hat and the ducks swam on, out of sight once more.
This was continued again and again, till the ducks were driven by degrees from where the ditch and its arching of net decreased from eight feet wide to six feet, to four feet, to two feet, and the flock was huddled together, and safe in the trap that had been prepared for them.
All at once, while the two lads were watching all these proceedings, Dave came into sight for a moment and waved his hand for them to come, but signed to them at the same time to be quiet.
It was as well that he did, for otherwise they would have uttered a shout of triumph.
"We've got 'em, lads," he said, with his yellow face puckered up with satisfaction; "but don't make a noise.

I like to keep the 'coy quiet.
Come along!" "Is there any fear of their getting away now, Dave ?" whispered Dick as he followed.
"Yes, to market," said Dave grimly.
As they neared the end of the pipe there was a loud cackling and fluttering heard, and the ducks were disposed to make a rush back, but the sight of the man sent them all onward once more to the end of the pipe, where they were driven to leave the water for the dry land, over which the net was spread for the last few yards, forming a gigantic purse or stocking.
And now a tremendous fluttering and excitement ensued, for as, in obedience to their leader's sign, the lads stopped once more, Dave stepped forward rapidly, detached the final portion of the net which formed the bag or purse from the bent-over ash stick, and twisted it together and tied it round, with the result that the birds were all shut up in the long purse and at his mercy.
Just then Chip performed a kind of triumphal dance, and leaped up at Dick and again at Tom before becoming quiescent, and looking up at all in turn, giving his little stumpy tail a few wags, while his whole aspect seemed to say: "Didn't we do that well ?" "That's a fine take, my lads," said Dave in congratulatory tones.
"Yes," said Dick, looking down at the frightened birds scuffling over each other; "but--" "Nay! don't, man, say that!" cried Dave.

"I know, my lad.