Herbert got in about noon, yesterday -- I did not see him until later, however.  --Went duck-hunting in the morning, and was delayed by seeing an unprecedented quantity of game, and having the worst possible "luck"!  I got but one shot --with which I killed one duck and wounded two!  My wonderfully wise dog rushed gallantly into the water and caught up the dead duck -- and then stood "stock still"!  I called -- and coaxed -- raved and commanded -- but all to no purpose! --There he stood, holding the duck aloft and gazing mildly at me -- a perfect picture of benign stupidity!
     Meanwhile the ducks, the wounded ducks, were making use of the time employed in this interesting little by-play,  to make a hasty exit -- and when at last I turned in desperation to go for my game myself -- it was not to be seen -- but into the brush I went -- and into the water too -- about a foot and a half deep -- but all to no purpose!  I believe I am very good tempered after all, for when I at length waded up to that canine quadruped it was with the full intention of using my ram-rod until his hold on to life would be very small indeed.
     But he in his utter innocence of my anger gave me such a gaze of blind confidence, that it disarmed me utterly!  I took the duck, "made no sign" and started homeward!  Saw wild turkeys, goose, etc. but "no luck"!