208 FIFTEEN DAYS ON THE DANUBE. 
The eagles kept wheeling about overhead incessantly, and I 
saw their great shadows gliding over the ground, while they 
never ceased uttering their ominous cries of alarm. 
The sun was burning very fiercely, and thin wreaths of 
vapour were rising from the ground, which was saturated with 
yesterday’s rain. I had chosen a very comfortable seat, and 
the buzzing of the insects and the charming carols of the 
countless song-birds had such a drowsy influence that I 
suddenly fell fast asleep, and must have been in that condition 
for a good hour, when I awoke and looking quickly up at the 
nest saw a large brown bird moving about inside it. I could 
only see the outline of its back from time to time, and made 
sure that it was the old eagle supplying its.young with food ; 
soI took up my rifle and fired at this grey-brown form, as soon 
as I again got a distinct glimpse of it. As nothing moved at 
the shot, and a few small feathers were lifted by the wind and 
carried over the edge of the nest, I felt sure that I had hit the 
bird, so hastened back to my guide, feeling proud of my 
successful shot ; and as it was now time to get ready for 
the wolf-hunt, sent the climber to the nest to bring down the 
dead eagle. 
On reaching the broad driving-road I found my brother- 
in-law, who had returned empty-handed from an unsuccessful 
attempt to shoot the Imperial Eagle. 
The rendezvous for the sportsmen was just at the spot where 
the path leading from the Sea-Hagle’s nest joined the broad 
road which bisects the forest. The beaters were already 
stationed by the fields at the edge of the woods, and the guns 
came driving up in carts. Most of these sportsmen were 
notables of the village, and their whole appearance and arma- 
ment were so singular and primitive that we most fervently 
prayed that Providence would prevent these fine fellows from 
getting shots, otherwise our lives would be somewhat insecure. 
With one of these sporting gentlemen I was particularly 
