A DARING EXPLOIT. 67 



Bird and horse were now almost close enough to touch. This proximity, how- 

 ever, could not continue more than a few seconds, since the game, though slower 

 than his companions, was sure to draw away from the horse, even though the latter 

 should run at his topmost bent. 



A strange impulse seized Dick Brownell at that exciting moment. Had he pos* 

 sessed one minute for reflection, he would have dismissed the thought before it was 

 fairly formed, but, unfortunately for him, that minute was not his. 



Freeing his feet from the stirrups, he flung one leg over the front of the saddle, 

 and, while both pony and ostrich were on a full run, he took a flying leap from the 

 back of the former to the latter. 



The daring bound was executed with wonderful dexterity, and he landed with 

 his legs astride of the bird, which no doubt was never so amazed in all his life. 



Feeling that he must retain his seat at every hazard, the youth dropped his rifle, 

 threw both arms around the neck of his steed and held on for life. 



It is hard to imagine the sensations of the pony, which witnessed the action of 

 his master, but probably he was disgusted, for he emitted a snort, and, trotting after 

 the couple a few paces, flung up his head with another whinny, and galloped toward 

 Jack and Bob and the rest of the ostriches. 



Dick was no more than fairly in his seat, with his arms about the neck of the 

 bird, when he realized what he had done, though his whole body was still thrilled 

 by the excitement of the novel ride. 



The ostrich was heading in the opposite direction from that taken by his com- 

 panions, and, terrified by his burden, he struck a pace greater than he had yet 

 shown, and fully the equal of that of the leader who had met his fate a moment before. 



" I wonder how long he will keep this up," reflected Dick, when he was able to 

 look about him, and saw that he was swiftly nearing the northern outlet of the 

 valley; "if he don't give out, he will land me in the Congo State, where I can join 

 Stanley, if we ain't stopped by the mountains and rivers in the way." 



Now an ostrich cannot run forever, though he possesses great endurance, and, 

 no doubt, Dick's steed would be compelled, in time, to drop to a slower pace, which 

 would allow the lad to leap to the ground without danger from the fall; but, in that 

 event, it is more than probable the bird would have attacked and killed him, before 

 he could bring him down with his revolver. 



But the conclusion of this adventure was more startling than Dick Brownell 

 dreamed. 



