224 IN THE GREEN LEAF 



would at any time be conspicuous on the water, 

 but it is just the reverse. At night, or at early 

 dawn, the great white bird, whether on the 

 water or on the wing, looks little more than a 

 grey shadow. Sometimes at daybreak it will 

 be quite bright for a short time ; then, without 

 any warning, a raw, damp fog will come from 

 somewhere and chill you to the very marrow. 

 This is the time for a mouthful, or, it may be, 

 a couple, of ague-mixture, or you will be down 

 next day with the shaking fever. 



All fowl are more or less bewildered at such 

 times; it seems to "crope" (bunch) them up, 

 and take the heart out of them. You can hear 

 them cry around and about, and hear the swish 

 and whistle of their wings, but not a bird will 

 you see. They are in the same plight ; and if 

 they could see you, they would not come so close. 



" How's the night, captain ? " 



" East on, along shore ; dark as pitch, and 

 blowing great guns. Don't tell the women, 

 poor souls ! for some of their men are out, and 

 they will come on the beach. I hope and trust 

 that they've made port somewhere." 



A dark night ! dark above and dark below, 

 and with it a storm. You could hear the rush 



