Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1855-12-21
From the Spirit of the Times.
Duck Hunt Extraordinary.

| G. c.
Mr.. EDITOR In a country filling up as Texa
is and has been for some years past, it is but natu
raj that we find large number of persons who vel
merit the title Of green 'uns" OF his class wa
John McL-e, native of old Virginia, who be
came citizen of Texas soon after it was admitted
into the Union Now, friend John was passionately
fond of hunting, and scarcely did his foot press
Texan soil before he running in all directions in
search OF game, but unfortunately he wound up bis
first exploit by staying three tame turkeys the prop
erty of an old lady living in A. This threw such a
damper his feelings that it caused him 10 ferego
this amusement for time, until one day, when
wished to go hunting, and having company,
called by for John, and after persuasion, pre-
vailed upon him to accompany me Now be it
known that north of the city of A-n, about a
mile, there lives wealthy butcher, who at the time
speak or possesses large flock of sheep and goas
and among the latter tremendous William goat"
who was famous for his mplacable hostility TO 'sseats
OF honor" in general, and those, the genus Boy in
particular Many lad he had given " lift in the
world and had caused many more 10 discover
that their legs not made merely 10 stretch cloth
over, but to protect their bodies when prudence ad
vised retreat
We'll, on the evening in question, as John and
were moving noIselessly along the banks of small
creek, that wanders through the butchers pasture
grounds, noticed that friend " Billy" of the horns
was eyelng us rather too closely 10 bespeak US much
comfort IN the prospective, and, being myself very
prudent parsonage, and possessing great relish for
JOKE soon decided upon what course to pursue.
john" said l, you see that at the bend of
the creek, about forty yards from here Well, you
sneak along here, by this underbush on the bank un.
til you are about twenty yards from the tree then
you must get on your hands and knees and crawl to
the foot OF It, When you get there, don't put more
than your head through the underbrush. and see if
any ducks are in the pond"
Every WE'LL, he answered. " I'll do il exactly right;
but what are you going to do in the meantime g.
Take my flask, may lose it,
" am going down here and cross the creek
SO as to get shot as they rise. Now do be careful
John, and don't show more than your head and don't
fire till am 1eadY-rl give the signal"
So saying, bounded off towards little mound,
Just behind where were, and out of the reach of
his goatship, who had now left the flock and was
John with his head, ears, and tail erect
In the meantime, eager fol shot at the ducks, my
friend followed my instructions to the letter, and
having arrived at the point des gnated, be dropped
down all fours," and crawled carefully and qu-
city along, while friend Billy followed with the
most inqusitive motions, being entirely at loss to
account tor the sudden metamorphosis of his inten-
ted victim.
John finally reached the tree, and putting his head
slowly through the bushes to his great delight per
ceived five six plump paddlers on the water, all
unconscious of the cruel death impending over
them.
Billy during this survey on the part of John,
had approached within three feet. and was
scanning MIN very carefully, as II 10 PICK the most
Vulnerab bic part OF his body Having al length ap
parently decided, he took two thee steps back
ward, and rearing upon his hinder legs he sprang
forward and planted his horns and forehead in that
part OF friend John where honor gener II, supposed
to be located, with such good will effect that he
vanished with most unbecoming haste. and second
afterwards the ominons sound Of a heavy body fall
ing into the water told but plainly the fae of the
duck hunter. | ran down and crossed the creek op
poslte to where John was and found HIM us getting
out of the wafer and heaping curses upon me or
pushing him in, while g Billy" was staining upon
the other bank very compaeently viewing the
as though he was innocent of all participation IN it
John, not having perceived his goaship made The
very comforting assertion that he intended to give
me bod licking for it, and cooiY preparing 10
put his words into effect, when pointed 10 Ihe real
perpetrator of the mischief, and hur~red into laugh
He gaZed at " Billy for a moment then taking up
his gun and starting off he gu ely remarked
well, W., you MAJ use my heat for IA foo bali i,
ever again cume duck1"g and 90 home ducked"
Nov. e. 1855.