THE GREAT HORNED OWL. 



5^ 



The fire burns brightly, and throws a ruddy Hght on the trees around. 

 He and his companions are glad to stretch their wearied limbs, and to partake 

 of the repast. No sound is heard of bird or animal, and scarcely a leaf stirs. 

 But, all at once, close to their ears, there breaks out a succession of unearthly 

 shrieks, mixed with wild laughter. It is as if some person were being strangled 

 in their very presence. 



THE GREAT HORNED OWL. 



Perhaps a minute after, a large dark object sweeps round the fire, still 

 uttering discordant sounds. He is the great horned owl, that was sitting close 

 by, though the travellers did not see him. The agreeable odour of the food. 

 roused him, and he came out to see if he might share the feast. 



These deep and boundless forests are the home he loves. His voice 

 renders him an object of dread, there is something so unearthly about it„ 



D 2 



