Page:The Swiss Family Robinson (Kingston).djvu/308

262 them. Many darted to the ground, and, just touching it, would soar again upward with a strong but somewhat heavy flight.

“After gamboling in this way for a time, the whole multitude, as though at the word of command, alighted on the rice-fields, and began to feast on the fresh grain.

“We thought now was our time to get a shot at the cranes, and cautiously approached; but they were too cunning to let themselves be surprised, and we came unexpectedly upon their outposts or sentinels, who instantly sprang into the air uttering loud trumpet-like cries, upon which the whole flock arose and followed them with a rush like a sudden squall of wind. We were quite startled, and it was useless to attempt a shot; but unwilling to miss the chance of securing at least one of the birds, I hastily unhooded my eagle, and threw him into the air.

“With a piercing cry he soared away high above them, then shot downwards like an arrow, causing wild confusion among the cranes. The one which the eagle attacked, sought to defend itself; a struggle followed, and they came together to the ground not far from where we stood.

“Hastening forward, to my grief I found the beautiful crane already dead. The eagle, luckily unhurt, was rewarded with a small pigeon from my game-bag.

“After this we went back to Woodlands, got some turpentine and a bag of rice—and set off for home.”

Fritz's interesting story being ended, and supper ready, we made trial of the new roots, and found them very palatable, either boiled or stewed; the monkey plant, however, if it really proved to be the gensing of the Chinese, would require to be used with caution; being of an aromatic and heating nature.

We resolved to transplant a supply of both roots to our kitchen garden.