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.
Scarcely had I done so when a single goose came over quite as high as the others and travelling "as though the black devil had kicked it," as Retief said.