Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1908-02-08


guide says the ferns are full of rab-
bits that way, and Major Belwether
can't hit fur afoOt. YOu," she added
frankly to Siward. ought to take the
CUP. The birches ahead of you are
full of wOodcock. If you don't How
ard Quarter will. He's into flight OF
jack snipe. | hear"
Siward's eyes had suddenly rarrow-
ed: then be laughed, pattlng Saga
more's cheeks. i don't believe | shall
shoot very steadily this afternoon" he
said, turning toward the group at
luncheon under the trees. Il wish
Quarter we'll with the cup"
"Nonsenser' said Marion Page curt
ly. 'You are the cleanest shot ] ever
knew" And she raised her glass to
him frankly and emptied it with the
precision characteristic of her: your
cup! With all my hearth
II also drink to your success, Mr.. ST
ward" said Sylvia in a low voice, lift
ing her champagne glass in the sun
i<. "TO the Shotover cup-if you
wish it,"
In the little gust of hand clapping
and laughter he turned again to Sylvia
smilingIy. saying under his breath,
"As though winning the cup would
compensate me now for losing it,"
She leaned involuntarily nearer, lyon
mean that you will not try for it,"
eyes"
"That is not fair to me"
''Why not?'
Because l do not ask it Of
you"
you need not, now that know your
wish.''
"NIr Siward, I-my-wish'-
But she had no chance to finish. Al
ready Rena Bonnesdel was looking at
them, and there was hint of amused
surprise in Eileen Shannon's mischie-
vous eyes, ayerted instantly, with ma
liciouS OstentatiOn.
Then Marion Page took possession of
him so exclusively. so calmly, that
something in her cool certainty vague
~ irritated Sylvia, who had never liked
her. Besides, the girl showed too plain
ly her Indifference to other people,
which other people seldom find anus
ing.
Stephen" called out Alderdene anx-
iously counting the web loops in his
khaki vest, what do you call fair
shooting at these ruffed grouse? You
needn't be civil about it, you know"
give shells to a bird is good shoot
ing" answered Siward. "Don't you
think so, Miss Pager"
"You have a better score, Mr.. 81
ward" said Marion Page, with a hos
tile glance at Alderdene, who had MOI
made good. Impatient to start, she
had turned her tailor made back to the
company and was instructing his crest
fallen lordship very plainly: You fire
too quickly, Blinky. Two seconds is
what you must count when grouse
Pushes. You must say, Mark, right,
or Mark, left, bang!"
And so the luncheon party, lord and
lady, twins and maidens. guides and
dogs, trailed away across the ridge
distant silhouettes presently against
the sky, lien gone And after little
while the far dry. accentless report
Of smokeless powder announced that
the opening Of the season had been re
sumed and the birds were dying fast
in the glory of perfect day.
"Are you ready, Mr.. SiwardY She
stood waiting for him at the edge o.
the thicket. Miles resumed his game
sack and her fowling piece. The dos
came up, locking him anxiouSly In the
eyes.
So he walked forward beside bel
into the dappled light Of the thicket.
Within q few minutes the dog stood
twice, and twice the whirring twittel
Of woodcock startled her, echoed By
the futile crack Of his gun.
BEG pardon, sir"
eyes, Miles," with CLINT Of humOr.
"Overshot, sir. excusin' the liberty
Mr.. Siward. Both marked down forty
yard to the left If you wish to star
'em again"
miles" he said, my nerve Is gone
Such things happen. I'm all in. Come
over here, my friend, and leOk at the
sun with me-"
The discounted keeper obeyed.
"Where ought that refulgent lumt
nary to scintillate when ! face Osprey
r od0o9"
Continued on age threeI