Part 29 (1/2)
”Wait, I see some ducks!” cried Giant. ”See, they are rising and coming this way!”
”Be quick!” cried Snap, and brought around his shotgun. The others also aimed their weapons, and as the wild ducks sailed almost over them they let drive in a scattering volley. Two of the ducks were killed outright and came straight down, while a third circled around badly wounded. The others swept out of range before any harm could be done to them.
”We've got two, anyway,” said Shep.
”I'm going after that wounded one!” cried Whopper, and went off on his snowshoes behind the fluttering game. The duck touched the snow and then arose again and did this several times. Giant followed Whopper, bound to get the third duck if it was possible to do so.
”Beware of holes!” yelled Snap, after the pair. ”Remember what Jack Dalton said!”
The others were too interested in pursuing the wounded duck to pay attention to his words. Thinking he saw a chance, Whopper discharged his weapon but it did no damage. Then Giant took a shot, and this was likewise of no avail.
”Gracious, ducks seem to be harder to hit than deer!” cried the smaller member of the Gun Club. ”It will get away after all, Whopper!”
”Not if I know it,” was the reply. ”Come on!”
The pair continued to run, until fully a hundred yards more had been covered. The wounded duck had now fluttered down into some bushes and both felt sure they would be able to bag it. So eager were they that they did not notice the softness of the snow before them until, without warning, they sank up to their knees.
”Hi! what's this?” sputtered Whopper, as he floundered around.
”We're in a hole!” gasped Giant. ”Say, we had better get back!”
They tried to turn back, but it was impossible, and soon both young hunters were up to their waists and then to their b.r.e.a.s.t.s. They forgot all about the wounded duck and began to call l.u.s.tily for help.
CHAPTER XXI
A TOUCH OF A BLIZZARD
”Those boys ought to be more careful,” said Snap, as he watched Giant and Whopper plunge along after the wounded duck.
”Well, you told them to beware of holes,” answered Shep.
The two ducks that had been killed were picked up and put in the game-bags, and then Snap and Shep started to follow their comrades, but at a more moderate rate of speed.
”Hark! they are calling for help!” exclaimed the leader of the Gun Club, a moment later.
”They are in a hole!” said the doctor's son. ”Look, I can just see their heads!”
”We must help them out! My! how the wind is blowing!”
The increase in wind was rapid and by the time Snap and Shep drew close to where Whopper and Giant were still floundering, it carried the loose snow around in a perfect whirlwind.
”Can't you crawl out?” asked Snap, coming as close as he dared.
”Every time we try we seem to sink deeper!” gasped Giant.
”Then keep still and I'll aid you,” answered the leader of the Gun Club. ”Come, Shep.”
”What we you going to do?”
”I'll show you. Be quick.”