Wotee of tbe IRuibt 



I found Mm well posted as to all the birds of his 

 pond-side. Be it as it may, the kingfisher I had 

 seen came again over our boat, and, startled by 

 my shouting, uttered its characteristic rattling 

 cry. As schools of minnows continually rippled 

 the surface and then spread out in every direction 

 when frightened, it seems quite probable that a 

 kingfisher could see to seize one by the light of a 

 full moon. But I did n't see my kingfisher do 

 anything of the kind. 



Pullen now insisted, and with reason, that we 

 return, and seating himself at the oars, he rowed 

 me to the point of our embarking and bade me 

 " Good-morning " with a tone full of unexpressed 

 meaning, adding something about " the toughest 

 job he 'd ever tackled." I was glad to be rid of 

 him, and yet the walk before me was not pleasing 

 to anticipate. It was long after midnight ; every 

 cricket even was quiet, and my own footsteps were 

 all that I heard. It was growing dark, too. 

 Clouds were gathering from all points and threat- 

 ened to soon enwrap the moon. I quickened my 

 pace, and, familiar with the ground, made good 

 progress until the weedy, tangled meadows were 

 reached. Then my steps were stayed. I stumbled 

 at times and was well nigh out of patience when 

 a marsh-hawk flew up directly in front of me. I 

 could see its long tail, white rump, and stretch 

 of wings ; and I watched it for a moment, wish- 

 ing then, if ever, that I had the power of flight. 

 68 



