Page:The Swiss Family Robinson (Kingston).djvu/382

336 but when it came to my turn to look, I at once pronounced them to be very large ostriches.

“This is fortunate indeed!” I exclaimed; “we must try to secure one of these magnificent birds; the feathers alone are worth having."

“A live ostrich, father! that would be splendid. Why, we might ride upon him!”

As the ostriches approached, we began to consider in what way we should attempt a capture. I sent Fritz and Jack to recall the dogs, and placed myself with Ernest behind some shrubs which would conceal us from the birds as they came onwards.

The boys did not rejoin us for some little time; they found Knips and the dogs at a pool of water formed by a small mountain stream, which the monkey's instinct had detected; his sudden departure was thus accounted for, and they availed themselves right gladly of his discovery, filling their flasks, and hastily bathing before their return.

The ostriches continued to come in our direction, varying their pace as though in sport, springing, trotting, galloping, and chasing each other round and round, so that their approach was by no means rapid.

I could now perceive that of the five birds one only was a male, the white plumes of the wings and tail contrasting finely with the deep glossy black of the neck and body.

The colour of the females being ashen brown, the effect of their white plumes was not so handsome.

“I do not believe we shall have a chance with these birds,” said I, “except by sending Fritz's eagle in pursuit; and for that we must bide our time, and let them come as near as possible.”

“In what way, then, are ostriches caught by the natives of the African deserts?” inquired Fritz.

“Sometimes by chase on horseback; but their speed is so very great, that even that must be conducted by stratagem.