I began catching Innes all along. But it was in the last cover the trick was done. The bag for the day was close upon two thousand. Of these over seven hundred were winged in that last cover. Vicary had kept his _bonne bouche_ for the finish. When we reached it Innes and I were about equal. When the slaughter began he did all he knew. But I did better. I brought them down as fast as I could get the guns; and I fancy that my guns were loaded quicker than his. While it lasted it was as hot a bit as one could wish. When it was over Innes came to me. "You win." "I think I do. What do you make your total?" He told me. I told him that I made mine forty-seven more. "I did not know that you were quite so many as that. But I knew that you were in front. The birds have broken on your gun in a crowd." I owned that was so. "I know that the luck has been mine. Of course, as a shot I am not to be compared to you. It was like my cheek to back myself. But, somehow, I seemed to know, in advance, that I should have the luck." "It has not, by any means, been all luck. You're a good shot, Mr. Townsend." Archie came slouching up. He had lost his temper--as he was wont to do when he had been making an ass of himself. "Did you ever see anything like my shooting? I can't hit a haystack." He was looking at Vicary, but whether he was speaking to him is more than I can say. Vicary chose to think that he was. Evidently Jardine's head man knew his business--he had given us a first-rate day. But he was one of those keepers who like to see their birds shot. When they were missed, and the principal offender gave him such a chance as that, he was not likely to let it pass him. He looked at Archie. His face assumed an expression of rustic stupidity--it was a distinct assumption. Nature had made him look as sharp as a ferret. "Well, sir, I did understand from Sir Haselton as how you could hit haystacks." Archie went red all over, then went white to the lips. I take it that last spinney was a good four miles from the house. So we drove home. It had kept clear, but it had again turned frosty. There was a keen bite in the air. They had sent our coats in the brake. The ladies were having tea when we got back. When we had changed we joined them--all but Archie, who, I imagine, stayed in his room to sulk. Innes and I got in together. The others were already in evidence, including the local, who was to stop and dine. Mary Porteous called out as we came in-- "So you've had a good day?" I answered. Innes, if he could, always saved his words. "First-rate." "And I hear that you've gained all the honours, Mr. Townsend." "I've had a good deal of luck, Lady Mary--more than my share. But, I believe, as a matter of fact, that Mr. Purrier heads the score." Mr. Purrier disclaimed the soft impeachment. "I doubt it. I never saw better shooting, Mr. Townsend, than yours." "It's very good of you to say so. You all seem very nice and complimentary." Mary Porteous laughed.