THE KING OF THE WOODS. 31 



my bed of sand, and many fluttered about uneasily ; 

 but not one seemed to entertain a doubt of the in- 

 tegrity of my intentions. This confidence robbed me 

 of whatever evil motive I had in coming here, and 

 my gun rested against the rock, while I noted the 

 movements of my companions. 



Never had naturalist a better opportunity for 

 studying animated Nature at his ease, nor for near 

 acquaintance with the little folk with feathers on 

 them. I welcomed this chance with joy, and was 

 alert to their every motion, for it was what I had 

 long desired: a peep into the private affairs of the 

 bird family. With as little disturbance as possible, I 

 drew out my notebook and set my pencil in motion, 

 and for hours I was intent on recording the many 

 strange things I that day saw. 



At last I wearied of the work, and the heat of 

 high noon penetrating here, I fell asleep. When I 

 awoke the whole gorge was in deep shadow, for the 

 sun had nearly performed his diurnal journey ; a dove 

 was drinking at the pool, and the jacamar was still 

 sitting under the cliff ; but nearly all the others had 

 gone to their haunts of the night. I arose and 

 stretched myself, gathered up my scattered belong- 

 ings, and prepared to depart. As I did so a sound 

 saluted my ears that made me start ; in the words of 

 Crusoe, " If I had had a Hat on my Head, I will not 

 answer for it that my Hair might not have lifted it 

 off!" 



It was the same spirit voice, asking me why I was 

 here and what I was doing : " Who ? who ? " 



