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trees. 'What are these lads for?' inquired Mr Pickwick abruptly. He
was rather alarmed; for he was not quite certain but that the distress
of the agricultural interest, about which he had often heard a great
deal, might have compelled the small boys attached to the soil to earn
a precarious and hazardous subsistence by making marks of
themselves for inexperienced sportsmen. 'Only to start the game,'
replied Mr Wardle, laughing.
'
'
'
'
'
'
'
'
To what?' inquired Mr Pickwick.
Why, in plain English, to frighten the rooks.'
Oh, is that all?'
You are satisfied?'
Quite.'
Very well. Shall I begin?'
If you please,' said Mr Winkle, glad of any respite.
Stand aside, then. Now for it.'
The boy shouted, and shook a branch with a nest on it. Half a dozen
young rooks in violent conversation, flew out to ask what the matter
was. The old gentleman fired by way of reply. Down fell one bird, and
off flew the others.
'
Take him up, Joe,' said the old gentleman.
There was a smile upon the youth's face as he advanced. Indistinct
visions of rook-pie floated through his imagination. He laughed as he
retired with the bird - it was a plump one.
'Now, Mr Winkle,' said the host, reloading his own gun. 'Fire away.'
Mr Winkle advanced, and levelled his gun. Mr Pickwick and his
friends cowered involuntarily to escape damage from the heavy fall of
rooks, which they felt quite certain would be occasioned by the
devastating barrel of their friend. There was a solemn pause - a shout
-
a flapping of wings - a faint click.
'
Hollo!' said the old gentleman.
'Won't it go?' inquired Mr Pickwick.
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