A MEAGRE REPAST. 335 



Regardless of my shouts, he quitted the bough where 

 he had perched for a few moments, and posted himself 

 upon the ground. 



At first I thought he intended to fly at me ; but I was 

 mistaken. He contented himself with tranquilly picking 



"A BIRD PERCHED HIMSELF ON THE BRANCH." 



up a few round objects which lay here and there upon 

 the sward. 



These objects caught my attention, and, on examining 

 them, I discovered, to my great joy, that they were snails. 

 Thenceforth I was safe from famine; I had no longer 

 reason to dread the slow pangs of hunger. I arose, and 

 collected a quantity of the molluscs, which I devoured 

 with keen satisfaction. 



Somewhat recruited by this meagre repast, I began to 

 examine my situation with greater composure. There 

 was but one course to adopt : I must escape from this 

 desert plain. My life depended on it; and, therefore, 

 the sooner it was done, the better. 



