66 



A DARING EXPLOIT. 



opportunity to arrange for the combat, which he meant 

 should take place before the bird joined the rest. 



Dick reached a point directly in front of the os- 

 trich, while he was still several rods distant, and, like 

 Bob, he decided to try to compel him to head the 

 other way. 



The result in every respect was surprisingly dif- 

 ferent. 



Dick's pony held his ground, as immovably as a 

 veteran, and the ostrich, instead of coming straight on and banging 

 against him, suddenly checked himself, when no more than a dozen 

 feet distant, wheeled squarely about, and, contrary to all laws that 

 govern his species, headed toward the northern outlet, through 

 which he might have fled on the first appearance of the hunters. 



Dick was astonished, and, determined that the game should not 

 escape, he spoke sharply to his pony, which made a tremendous 



Vv 



TURNING THE TABLES. 



bound that landed him alongside the ostrich, the latter not having time to strike hit 

 pace before the leap of the steed. 



