Evening star., 1914-11-08

weeds the little stream curved and
twisted as though 1t had gotten lost
and was trying to find its way out. 1t
was not until the fifth bend was reach
ed that the Observers first opportunity
came. Ahead of him was a bird-a fair
sized bird-perched on a twig. 1t was
one of the most composed birds the
Observer has ever met. In its brooding
eye one saw the reflective thoughts of
a philosopher.
Quickly the Observer raised his shot
gun. He aimed carefully, deliberately,
coolly. If some one had photographed
him at that moment his fame as a
faunal naturalist would have been as
sured. He slowly pressed the trigger.
Then, like cannon bursting the awe
some silence, came a pleading voice.
Don't shoot mister" said the voice.
The Observer carefully lowered his
gun, resting the butt on the Majors
right foot, which caused the Major to
curse him fiuently in patios Spanish.
He gazed thoughtfu1ly at the bird. 1t
had not moved. 1t was still meditat-
ing.
II thought" said the Observer in
say, Don't shootr Was it the bird?'
William laughed lightly-also often
sively.
Just a couple of fisherman he eN-
planned THE poor fellows are on the
other side of the grass. OF course they
that you weren't trying to get them!
The Major burst into another frenzy:
How much longer is this idiot going
to leave the butt of his gun on my
corns," he beloved. 1t was painfully
evident that he meant the Observer.
His mental processes are SLOW" re-
Piled William. Give him time"
I: x
The Observer lifted his gun and
moved back to where the guide was
still polling the boat. 1t was relief
to watch this man. He was SO passive,
so calm, so Unconditional. He knew
that fools rush in where angels fear
to tread and, without laying claim to
being an angel, he certainly intended
not to be a fool-at least not while
he was polling a boat.
Don't you feel bad" said the guide,
reassuringly. TT wouldn't have done
you no good nohow."
what wouldn't have done me any
good?" asked the Observer.
"Shootin' that bird" replied the
guide. There amt nuthin' in shootin
crows. You can't eat en-
The Observer started slightly.
do you mean to tell me-" he asked,
raising his voice slightly. that you
are accepting our good money and
taking US through crow district?"
How should I know he was there?"
retorted the guide. Did you ever
hear of crow coming around and
telling you where he was going to
light next? 1t amt sensible"
what are we to shoot-f1sh?" asked
the Observer. ironically.
For five minutes the guide gave this
rubbed the stubble on his chin re-
fiectively.
IF 1 was you,' he said at last. I'D
practice with tin cans the next time
| had some handy. There's npthin'
like practice" - 49,.
The Observer turned on his ADVISER
angrily.
How do you know 1 can't shoot:'
he demanded II haven't even tried
yeti!
Il know that. mister" replied the
puide. You may be all right, but
Something in the way you handle that
gun O. yours makes me nervous.
"I bet l get something" snapped the
Observer.
pathy. od ".nd
if YOU don't point that gun lower I'm
inclined to think it'll be the Major
The Observer laid his gun by the gun
vale of the craft. That was the bright
shining moment when a flock of some
kind of bird winged swiftly by. William
and the Hajor let fly and a lone bird
dropped
Got him." announced the MAJOR,
prancing gleefully.
Got him" yelled William, waving
his gun.
Got him. bAwled the Observer, de-
sirous of being helpful.
The two sportsmen came to their
senses and glowered at the Observer.
You didn't even fire gum" said
William reproachfully.
''If that man doesn't quit irritating
me-"began the Major wrathfully.
The guide interrupted in his soporific,
soothing voice.
II don't make much difference,
gents" he draWled.
Instantly the Observer took up this
challenge.
1T does make a difference" he said.