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But at that very instant both suddenly heard a shrill whistle

which, as it were, smote on their ears, and both suddenly seized

their guns and two flashes gleamed, and two bangs sounded at the

very same instant. The snipe flying high above instantly folded

its wings and fell into a thicket, bending down the delicate

shoots.

"Splendid! Together!" cried Levin, and he ran with Laska into the

thicket to look for the snipe.

"Oh, yes, what was it that was unpleasant?" he wondered. "Yes,

Kitty's ill.... Well, it can't be helped; I'm very sorry," he

thought.

"She's found it! Isn't she a clever thing?" he said, taking the

warm bird from Laska's mouth and packing it into the almost full

game bag. "I've got it, Stiva!" he shouted.

Chapter 16