I  had  another  adventure,  not unlike  the  former  one,  with  a  lot of  partridges.  I  had  come  out  to try  a  new  gun,  and  I  had  just exhausted  my  supply  of  small  shot, when,  unexpectedly,  I  saw  rise  at my  feet  a  flock  of  partridges.  The desire  to  see  some  of  them  gracing my  table  in  the  evening  inspired me  with  an  idea.  I  reached  the place  where  the  flock  had  settled down ;  I  quickly  charged  my  gun, and,  in  the  place  of  shot,  slipped my  ramrod  in,  allowing  the  end  to protrude  beyond  the  muzzle  of  the gun.  I  went  towards  the  par- tridges. I  fired  the  moment  they took  their  flight ;  my  ramrod  went through  seven  of  the  birds,  who suddenly  found  themselves,  as  it were,  spitted.  How  true  is  the  proverb,  "  Heaven  helps  those who  help  themselves!"

- Chapter 2