44 WITH THE U. S. NATURALISTS 



had a hole big enough for him to get through. 

 Then, bulging out his shirt in front, just below the 

 collar, he tied an egg on each side with a couple 

 of pieces of string. Experience had taught him 

 that trouser pockets were injudicious storage 

 places for eggs when descending a tree. Small 

 eggs he usually kept in his mouth when descend- 

 ing, but these, almost as large as hen's eggs, were 

 too big. 



A little more than half way down the tree, 

 Shan's senses reeled and he almost fell. He 

 steadied himself, however, and summoning all his 

 will-power, reached the ground in safety. He tot- 

 tered and stood, white-faced and exhausted, lean- 

 ing against the trunk of the old cedar. 



Without a word, but with a rough kindness in his 

 manner. Bull laid his nephew on the pine needles 

 strewing the ground. He placed the eggs care- 

 fully on one side and slid the boy's shirt off his 

 shoulder. The clutch of the Fish-Hawk's talons 

 had been sharp, but not deep, and, though the 

 wounds were stiffening, no great harm was done. 



''Them eggs gave yo' some trouble," he said, 

 helping the lad to his feet. 



''They were worth it!" said Shan, looking 

 proudly at his prizes. 



