Let's go back; perhaps we've overlooked him.

I am certain that he could not have flown to the river." At this moment a slight splashing in the water, on the opposite side of the creek, attracted their attention, and they discovered their game swimming slowly about among the reeds, as if trying to find some place of concealment.
"Now, Archie," said Frank, dropping the butt of his gun to the ground, "there's a chance for you to retrieve your lost reputation." "And I'll take advantage of it," said Archie, raising his gun to his shoulder.
A loud report followed his words, and the goose, after a few slight struggles, lay motionless on the water.

Brave immediately sprang into the creek, and, forcing his way among the reeds, seized the bird and brought it to the shore..