The Idaho Republican. [volume] (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1904-1932, 1910-11-11
HIS LAST SHOT

Two men, guests Of rural hotel,
had juts come from the dining room
and seated themselves at the further
end of the veranda. The day was
fast drawing to its close, the golden
sunset foretelling fine weather Tor
the morrow.
The elder of the two was common
" known among the patrons OF the
house as 1.-THE Colonel" probably be-
cause of his military appearance, as
no one knew Of his ever having been
connected with any military organiza-
tion.
The other man, recent arrival,
had manifested desire to get to-
gether hunting party. for the neigh
borhood was known to afford plenty
of spirit at that season OF the year
for the hunting of small game.
Colonel Poole thanked his compan-
ion for the invitation to be one of
the number, at the same time intimat-
ing that such sport did not appeal to
him.
"Well, Colonel, you don't seem to
be much interested in hunting? Sure
~, you have at some time or other
INDUCED in it,"
At this juncture they were joined
by a third gentleman, who evidently
had overheard some. of the CONVEX
sation, as he drew up chair and adj
dressed thte younger man.
1T is evident that you don't know
that the Colonel used to be fine
shot. wen remember when hunting
was about the only recreation he had.
It has of late been matter OF some
surprise to those who have known
him from away back, that he is no
longer an enthusiast
Well, l will tell you," rejoined
Colonel Poole. 1T is some years
since l last went hunting, and it is
now my intention never to go again.
I'll relate little experience il you
would like to hear it. You will then
understand why it is that l consider
the wanton shooting of game most in
human and therefore unbecoming In a
man."
The speaker paused a moment, no.
ticing the look of curiosity on their
faces.
And you would really like to. hear
my story, the story Of my last shot?
! assure you, gentlemen, to me it was
a most impressive incident, and one
that would touch the heart of any
man, providing he had a heart not
entirely insensible to pity and re-
morse"
n"By all means" said one, let's
hear it. don't mind shedding tear
or two on occasion" II
Colonel Poole waved his hand be-
fore his face, seemingly to life the
veil from his memory.
Ten years ago." he resumed, Il
was in southern city on some BUSH
ness that did not require all my time.
SO had a plenty Of opportunity to
get out in the open with my rifle.
was not at that time a confirmed hum
ter, but l will confess that / enjoyed
the sport as well as anyone else. And
all the hunting ever did was mere
ly for the pleasure of killing some
thing. The shooting of bird, a
fox or rabbit had enough of the
adventure in 1t to pay for the physi-
cal exertion and the money expend-
ed on such trips.
"One bright afternoon with my gun
on my shoulder, / started for the
woods. | walked about for some time
without seeing anything in the shape
OF live target. finally gave up all
hope of getting shot. Retracting
my steps came out into an open
space and Immediately heard a bird
call.
Looking in the direction of the
noise / saw two wild doves flying
about in the most playful manner,
happy and fearless. Quite chanical-
ly I raised my gun and shot one of
the birds. 1t fell to the ground with
in twenty feet of where l stood. The
broken wing and crimson spot on
the breast told too we'll that my shot
had been fatal. I Immediately took
aim to bring down the remaining
bird. I had scarcely go. C. bead on
him when he suddenly flew to the
side of his dead mate, crying in such
a piteous manner that | was actual
ly sickened, it SO touched my heart.
,e' er heard such sonl,'s come from
any creature but hildren in great
fear or distress. .