middle of the forenoon Giant called a halt.

"I saw something in the trees yonder," he said, pointing ashore.
"Looked to me as if they might be partridge."

"Partridge would suit me first rate," answered Snap. "Let us land
and try our luck."

"Making as little noise as possible they beached the rowboat and
Giant silenced the dog, not knowing what he might do while on a hunt.

"Perhaps he's a good bird dog and perhaps he isn't," he said. "We'll
take no chances."

Each of the young hunters had his shotgun, and one after another
they followed Shep to the spot where the game had been seen among
the trees. High among the branches of a silver maple tree they
saw some ruffed grouse, commonly known to many sportsmen as partridge.

"There's our chance," said the doctor's son. "Who is to fire?"

"Let us all take a chance," pleaded Giant. "Just to open the
outing, you know."

Shep was willing, and said he would give the word. With great
caution they crept as close as possible to the grouse. The birds
were on three branches of the maple, one over the other.

Silently the four boy hunters raised their firearms. Shep looked
at them and then along the barrel of his piece.