[Illustration: _The Laird_ (_to little Tomkyns, who is being initiated into the mysteries of deer-stalking_). "Don't move a step.] Lie down where you are!"] * * * * * HOW MOSSOO SHOT THE COCK-PHEASANT (_The Gamekeeper's Story_) [Illustration] He were a sort o' Frenchman, sir, And called hisself a Duck: I never could make head or tail O' that there furrin muck! He came to stay wi' Master there. And brought his guns and that-- But bless you, sir! he could na' shoot, No more than this here hat! [Illustration] The Master and the Frenchman went To shoot the spinney-kivver What reaches from the stable-wall Right down to that there river. A rocketing cock flew up at wunst, And Mossoo he fired, and missed-- How he did swear, and tear his hair, And shake his little fist! The way that Mossoo danced about, It really were a sight! He'd grin, and pull his beard, and shout And screech with all his might. He wore a thing across his nose Just like a kind o' shear: I think he said he were "my hop"-- Which means his sight were near. Mossoo he yelled, "I see him zere, Upon ze stable top!" With that he banged off right and left-- I seed a summat drop; I ran to pick up that there bird; And 'neath the stable-clock I found it sure enow--it were Our new gilt weather-cock! * * * * * [Illustration] BRADBURY, AGNEW, & CO. LTD., PRINTERS, LONDON AND TONBRIDGE. End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Mr. Punch With Rod and Gun, by Various