'74 



A FR.'END IN NEED. 



"She don't appear to be there," 

 muttered the sportsman, his heart 

 throbbing with hope; "but if she 

 3 is, I reckon I'll learn it afore I 

 ' reach the nest." 



The day was waning, and there 

 was no time to lose. He was too 

 cautious to leave his gun on the ground, 

 and indeed there was no need of it, for 

 it was readily slung over his shoulder, 

 as he was accustomed to do when using 

 his lasso, while riding his mustang. 



He feared that some of the natives 

 might follow to the spot and attack 

 him while in the tree. He had watched 

 and listened for pursuit, but discovered 

 nothing to cause alarm. 



However, some risk was inevitable, 

 and, being convinced that the bird 

 was absent, though likely to return 

 any moment, Jack began climbing the 

 tree with the nimbleness of a monkey. 

 Having effected the start, he 

 pushed forward with all the energy 

 possible. The height was consider- 

 able, but he soon found himself near 

 the structure from which the bird had 

 descended to attack the serpent. 



The nest was composed of sticks, 

 was fully a yard in diameter, and was 

 lined with wool and feathers. The 



most difficult part of the climber's task was when he found himself directly under- 

 neath the nest, for it covered so large a space that it required considerable skill to 

 climb around it. He succeeded at last, and gained a peep of the interior. A 

 pleasing surprise awaited him. 



The eggs of the secretary-bird are about the size of those of a goose. There 

 had been four in the nest, but two of them were hatched, the others evidently 

 being on the eve of liberating their captives. 



It was singular that the mother had absented herself at such a time, especially 

 as she had feasted so recently, but it may have been she was seeking suitable food 

 for the little ones. She was certain not to be away long, and Jack had no time 

 to speculate over the matter. 



Parting hU sb'rt in front, he Quickly shoved the little ones within, and began 



THE ORNITHOLOGIST. 



