noon
The sun shone brightly , their faces , still sore and feverish with yesterday 's exposure , became sorer than ever , and the neck became chafed wherever it rubbed against the coat collar . Still , these were minor evils amid the excitement of their occupation , for many flocks of wild geese were seen ; and the appearance of a flock , however remote , is always the signal for every gunner to get under cover at once . A small flock of seven were completely destroyed that morning , in a manner that deserves recording here . They were first seen striking in from the Gulf , and swinging well to leeward , -- for the wind was westerly , -- scaled in to the stand occupied by Davies and Creamer , who were lying down taking their noon lunch , and received no warning of their approach until they saw the flock scaling over their heads . Seizing their guns , both fired as quickly as possible , Ben a little the first . His first barrel missed , but the second , aimed at the same bird , brought it down . Creamer 's first barrel went off in the act of cocking , in the hurry and agitation of the surprise ; and letting the muzzle of his gun drop , he stood stupidly gazing at the departing flock , until roused by Davies 's `` Give them t ` other barrel , any way . ''