A keen wind swept the high tableland, and the grouse, flying before it, would come over the butts very fast.
In the distance, one could distinguish a row of figures that were presently lost in a hollow and got larger when they reappeared.

They were beaters, driving the grouse, and by and by Osborn, picking up his glasses, saw clusters of small dark objects that skimmed and then dropped into the heath.

It was satisfactory to note that they were numerous.
Although the birds were rather wild, he could now give his friends some sport.

After a time, however, the clusters of dark dots were seen first to scatter and then vanish.

Osborn frowned as he gave Thorn the glasses.
"What does that mean?
Looks as if the birds had broken back." "Some have broken back," said Thorn.