"Well, we can't expect to bag everything we shoot at," consoled Jack.
"I think I know of a short cut from here to the Lodge," said Gif. "So if you would rather tramp through the woods than go back by way of the river, we might do so and get a chance at some other game."
"All right, Gif; lead the way," said Jack, and they went forward under Gif's guidance.
They were deep in the forest when they heard a whir overhead. They looked up quickly to see a number of partridges sailing past close to the tree tops.
"Quick!" yelled Jack, and blazed away, while all of the others did the same.
CHAPTER XX
LOST IN THE WOODS
There was no time wasted in shooting at the partridges which were flying along so close to the tree tops. The six cadets did their best but four of the charges went wild. The aim of Jack and Gif was effective, and one wounded partridge came fluttering down to the snow while another dropped dead on the branches of a nearby cedar.
"Hurrah! we've got two of them, anyhow," cried Gif, as he reached forward and quickly put the wounded bird out of its misery.