As soon as they came within range, he fired and brought down another bird, which landed among the bushes on the opposite side of the creek.
He now turned his attention to the wounded duck, which was swimming in a circle around his dead companion, as if perfectly bewildered.
"I wish I had my powder-flask and shot-bag," said Archie.

"How foolish I was not to bring them! I bet that I'll never start out again with only one load in my gun." But there was no time for regrets.

The duck seemed to be recovering his strength, and began co flap his wings, as if preparing to fly.
Archie began to fear that he should lose him; and, throw down his gun, he gathered up an armful of sticks and branches, and straightway opened fire on the bird.

The duck dodged the missiles like a flash, and every now and then renewed his attempts to fly; but, at length, a heavy piece of root struck him, and stretched him out lifeless on the water.
"Ha! ha! ha!" laughed a strong, cheery voice.

"That's what I call shooting ducks under difficulties." Archie looked up and saw his cousin standing on the opposite side of the creek, with his gun on one shoulder and two of the flock slung over the other.
"I came very near getting the start of you, after all--didn't I ?" continued Frank.
"Was that you shooting up there ?" inquired Archie.
"Yes; I had almost reached the swamp, when I happened to think that perhaps the ducks might be in the creek, so I turned back." "A lucky circumstance for you.