A PRIEND IN NEED. 175 



making his way down the tree again. The brave fellow had not been so nervous 

 in a long while. Having secured the young birds, he was anxious to get away with 

 them, for to him the species was one of the most interesting curiosities obtainable. 



44 I wonder whether she can figure any better than the ostrich," thought the 

 hunter, picking his way to the ground, on his guard against an assault by the 

 mother he had just robbed. "'Cause if she can't, she won't be able to cipher out 

 that two of her beautiful children are missing, though, it seems to me, it must get 

 through her head that something is wrong. 



44 1 don't care about banking on the idea that she won't smell a mouse helloa ! 

 by jingo ! there she is /" 



Jack had reached the ground and moved a few steps, when a whirr and rush 

 overhead told that the parent bird had returned to her nest. By this time there 

 was so much gloom in the jungle that the hunter was greatly favored. He was 

 resolved that, having succeeded thus far, he would not surrender his prizes. If the 

 parent should attack, he would shoot her, which would only be in accord with the 

 hard rule that the sportsmen in search of natural curiosities must follow. In that 

 event, he meant to climb the tree and take the other eggs. 



The bird had not observed the pilferer below, who stealthily withdrew from the 

 vicinity of the tree, hopeful of eluding her, but it was evident from her manner that 

 she saw something was amiss. There was a good deal of fluttering, with some queer 

 squawking, which speedily brought the male bird home to learn the cause of the 

 excitement. 



What followed it would be impossible to say, since Jack Harvey passed beyond 

 hearing at this stage of the proceedings, and saw nothing more of those whom he 

 had despoiled. 



The felicitation which he felt was marred, on arriving at the margin of the wood, 

 by his failure to see his mustang. He feared some of the wild men had stolen him, 

 but this misgiving quickly vanished when, in response to his signal, the pony came 

 trotting toward him, with a glad whinny. 



An instant later the Texan was in his saddle, and once more he felt at home. The 

 young birds, which he had placed within his clothing, appeared to be well satisfied. 

 They uttered a tiny squeak or two, fluttered about a little when disturbed by the 

 motion of his body, but made no effort to free themselves, nor did they protest 

 against their confinement. 



At the moment of taking the saddle, Jack looked across the plain in the direc- 

 tion of the encampment. There could be no mistaking its location, since its light 

 glowed like the beacon that tells the sailor of the harbor he is approaching. 



His friends were surprised and pleased on seeing their valued comrade, as he 

 drew up his mustang, sprang to the ground, and asked them not to embrace him 

 too warmly, since he carried something brittle near his heart. 



The tiny birds were produced, and examined by all. Bob and Dick could not 

 guess their species, and, though Mr. Godkin studied over it for some time, he was 

 wrong when he gave his opinion. 



