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Marie by H. Rider (Henry Rider) Haggard
page 86 of 371 (23%)
handed it to me.

By now the geese were coming thick, for the flight was at its full.
Only, either because some of those that had already passed had sighted
the Kaffirs collecting the fallen birds and risen--an example which the
others noted from afar and followed--or because in an unknown way
warning of their danger had been conveyed to them, they were flying
higher and faster than the first arrivals.

"You will have the worst of it, Allan," said Retief. "It should have
been shot and shot about."

"Perhaps," I answered, "but that can't be helped now."

Then I rose from my stool, the rifle in my hand. I had not long to
wait, for presently over came a wedge of geese nearly a hundred yards
up. I aimed at the first fellow, holding about eight yards ahead of him
to allow for his pace, and pressed. Next second I heard the clap of the
bullet, but alas! it had only struck the outstretched beak, of which a
small portion fell to the ground. The bird itself, after wavering a
second, resumed its place as leader of the squad and passed away
apparently unharmed.

"Baas, baas," whispered Hans as he seized the rifle and began to
re-load, "you were too far in front. These big water-birds do not
travel as fast as the rock pigeons."

I nodded, wishing to save my breath. Then, quivering with excitement,
for if I missed the next shot the match appeared to be lost, presently I
took the rifle from his hand.
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